Review by SzejkElRopa on April 15, 2026.

Despite its large black metal scene, I have to admit that I have never really delved into the French black metal scene. Although I have heard of bands like Seth or Le Bastards du Roi, my first introduction to it was through a band called Archvile King. This solo project by a person hiding under the nickname Baurus caught my eye via a fairly unconventional artwork depicting a medieval knight. I expected a melodic output, and while there are quite a few melodies, "Aux Heures Désespérées" has much more to offer.

Mostly kept fast, the album's atmosphere relies on some amount of medieval, battle-like glory, mixed with some melancholy and sadness. Synths play a big role here, usually opening the songs and setting the tone for what the songs offer. 'Sépulture', for instance, starts with a rather calm, repetitive, yet deeply unsettling and saddening intro, conjuring up the sound of church organs. This opening builds tension before a vehement outburst of guitars. Moreover, in certain songs, such as 'Le Chant Des Braves', the sound of a sword cutting can be heard. The songs are usually built over a quite traditional song structure, with choruses appearing now and then. This is one of the strongest points of the album, because while they (and the whole album) don't fall into over-melodicity, what is played in the choruses is bound to stay with you after a few listens. In 'L'excusé', the chorus is based on an energetic tremolo riff, in 'Sépulture', the mid-paced chorus sets a, what a surprise, sepulchral atmosphere, adding a sense of resignation to the album. Reading other reviews, I noticed that Baurus is often praised for his ability to implement elements from other genres into this seemingly normal black metal album. And I can't help but agree with that statement. Apart from the synths, which sound as if taken from some dungeon synth album, there are also elements taken from thrash metal, for example. 'Riposte' and 'Le Carneval Du Roi Des Vers' are such outbursts of energy. In the first song, if listened closely, backing vocals can be heard, which sound rather similar to some of the thrash vocalists'. 'À Ces Batailles Abandonnées' also features a section that sounds as though it were taken from a heavy metal album. Everything is packed so well that none of the elements overwhelm the album, and no additions overstay.

Baurus' guitarwork may be labeled as simply "melodic black metal", since the lead sections are mainly tremolo riffs, which excel at melodicity in choruses. Obviously, the riffs are rather simple than technical, yet they sometimes happen to change, usually after the atmospheric breaks. I wouldn't mind throwing in a guitar solo or two, frankly. It's hard to pick my favourite moment, because every track differs from the others and has something unique to offer. The vocal performance isn't as breathtaking as the guitarwork or the ability to evoke emotions by synths; however, these rasps do their job without any major flaws. Similarly, it can be said for the drums - while I couldn't hear any extraordinary move, my respect for the mastermind behind the project is enormous, since he played, mixed, and mastered everything by himself. He showed that not only is he able to craft great black metal ranging from savage and brutal to melancholic, but also his ability to implement elements from other genres into this album is worth praise.

Even though this is not the darkest record I have ever heard, and it puts a bigger emphasis on the story of a medieval knight rather than on some more traditional black metal themes, I can't really find a reason not to like it. Also, although I wouldn't say this album is in the best of the best I have ever heard, it happens to be consistent, interesting, and in general, a very fun listen. Would Roland be proud of this record? I don't know, but fans of stories like his put into black metal should be. Since there were better, more memorable moments, such as the chorus in 'Sépulture', I give "Aux Heures Désespérées" a 9/10. This album will appeal to these black metal fans, who like melodic and atmospheric stuff, and aren't put off by quite an unconventional (in general) theme.

Rating: 9 out of 10