UNHOLDUN Unholdun DIGIPAK [CD]

The work of one Alexis Chiambretto, with drums provided by Nicolas Muller, UNHOLDUN's style of black metal is simple but sublime. Although the band hails from France, the sweepingly melodic surge which pushes this self-titled record forward favorably recalls the Québec scene that's made waves in the underground for the past decade-plus. Melancholic yet triumphant, faintly folky but never mawkish, its ever-insistent propulsion taking dynamic twists and turns, and even some commanding lead work cropping up, Unholdun retains a certain timelessness: looking to the past, UNHOLDUN nevertheless feel very NOW.

"I didn't try to revolutionize black metal with this EP," says Alexis. "It's more like 'a tribute' to the good, old black metal. So, I would like to feel a little bit the 90's vibe, even in the artwork." Expanding on that latter element, he says, "The devil on the front cover plays a 'carnyx,' a French trumpet used by Gauls before a war to frighten enemies." Sound that trumpet, then, for the arrival of UNHOLDUN!

Tracklisting
1. Framée
2. Francisque
3. Angon
4. Flamberge

Release notes
All music and lyrics written and performed by Alexis Chiambretto
Recorded by Clément Flandrois at La Crypte, except drums recorded and performed by Nicolas Muller at Studio du pénitent
Mixed and mastered by Xavier Burnier
Voices on Francisque and solo on Angon by Clément Flandrois
Logo and devil made by Le Chien Noir