Ysengrin — Liber Hermetis

Ysengrin is a French dark metal band that has been existence since 2005.  Theirs is another name to add to the never-ending list of bands who have emerged from the metal scene is France.  Ysengrins sound combines the intense vocals of black metal, with the intricate compositions of death metal and the melancholic atmosphere of doom.  The band is the creation of Guido Saint Roch and here he is joined by Aboth (drums), Fureiss (guitars) and additional musicians Kalevi Uibo and M.

Liber Hermetis starts out quite atmospheric, with a heavy emphasis on dark ambient background sounds.  While the songs themselves are a combination of the above mentioned black/doom/death metal inspirations and most of the songs are a mid-paced to fast, there is a subtle progressive and sometimes jazz influence that pervades on the cd.  Acoustic guitars are sprinkled throughout (“Crucifiement” and “Non pourtant je vy choses horrible et mervelleuses san fin” are two instrumental pieces, beautifully played) adding a classical sound to the mix.  “Temphomet” is one of the only songs where things go a bit sour, as oddly placed keyboards just seem to work against the music.  “Hors du siècle” brings things back to speed with heavy mid paced riffs and an exquisite guitar solo.  “Chute totale” brings things full circle, ending Liber Hermetis with the same dark ambience we heard in the beginning.

Musically it’s hard to pigeon hole Ysengrin, and that’s probably a good thing.  They have the ability to appeal to a broad spectrum of metal music fans.  Vocally too they use the death/black metal vocals but they are done in a way that fits the songs, deep growls and guttural rasps are able to intone the feelings Ysengrin are trying to convey.

Not quite death metal, doom-like songs, intricately progressive compositions, black metal rawness with an avant-garde flourish. Yet it is very well produced with emphasis on each instrument.  Ysengrin seem to be a band on the verge of brilliance or the brink of being overlooked.