While I am far from the highest authority when it comes to ultra-kvlt, super underground, cassette only, no website Black Metal, it is not frequent that I come across a release from a band, or in this case two, that have been around for nearly half a decade or more, that I have never even heard the name(s) of. This surprise came in the form of a split by Fhoi Myore and Pestiferum entitled, La forme créatrice du chaos / Le chaos religieux. And what a surprise!

Both hailing from France, this is a bit of a change of pace. When I think of modern French Black Metal, I think of genre bending kings Blut Aus Nord, Deathspell Omega, Spektr, Peste Noir, et al. This is NOT the case here. With Fhoi Myore we have a return to mid-nineties orthodox Black Metal in the style of the second wave in Norway. Pestiferum on the other hand are distinctly less so, and more along the lines of the infamous Les Legions Noires bands of the same era, but less violently lo-fi. They are definitely attempting to keep their profile low like their predecessors, as I can find almost NO information on the band.

Fhoi Myore most definitely worship at the altar of the eternal Gorgoroth. The aggressive melodicism that has always pervaded Infernus’ guitar work is here in spades. This is definitely not a bad thing as his style is less copied verbatim and more lovingly interpreted. The very first track “Blood, Flesh, and Bones” sets off blasting and grating and rarely lets up. That sort of sets up the whole split. A few swashes of melodic single note picking over the relentless buzz of the chords break up the assault and inject a bit of identity. The track slows down and at 3:50 we hear a rarity in Black Metal, a solo. And not just any solo, a great shredder that ascends and retreats up and down the neck and adds flavor and character. This is a great song, and though the standout on their side of the split, the other songs are powerful as well. “Destruction,” the third song from the band begins with a ferocious dueling harmonized single note attack that is a ton of fun to listen to, and also slows down in the middle, but this time features an impressively audible and enjoyable run from the bass. This again highlights the distinctiveness of the band.

Pestiferum are a bit less unique, but by design I imagine. Pestiferum hates your ears, and they want you to know it. Ferociously gurgled French vocals definitely stand out here. I love this guy’s delivery, though I can’t understand a word. There is plenty of lo-fi blasting to be found here, but there is also a well-balanced grasp on mid-tempo fury. It’s urgent and anxious, and wielded most effectively on “Nous Otera La,” the bands third track on the split.

I’m pleasantly surprised with this split and will be quickly acquiring and digesting both bands’ back catalogs. If you’re in the mood for some subtly unique and ferocious relatively unknown Black Metal, head to Fhoi Myore’s BandCamp and listen. Once you’ve enjoyed it, and you most likely will, go buy it from Ossuaire Records. I’m going to have to see if they have any more hidden gems like this one!

[Visit the band's website]

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