I have a weird affinity for French Black Metal. I remember, I was in Paris in 2018 and went to the Music Fear Satan store and mentioned Black Metal and BLUT AUS NORD in the same sentence. The storekeeper immediately corrected me, telling me that BLUT AUS NORD was not Black Metal. Having stood corrected, his attitude changed completely. It wasn’t a long conversation but it is something I remember fondly. French Black Metal is a unique beast, as much as we look towards the Nordics, France has been producing some brilliant unorthodox Black Metal for the past couple of decades. In focus today is DÏATRÏBE, a French Atmospheric Black Metal band that focuses heavily on the atmosphere, so much so that the vocals and other instruments take a backseat. I really like these kinds of artists and albums. It gives me a moment to focus on something else apart from the vocals. I wouldn’t call DÏATRÏBE’s output classic or groundbreaking but it is surely engaging. The atmosphere descends upon the room with Toronto’s winter chill piercing all dark corners leaving no space for warmth. The vocals are typical early 90s Norwegian styled, the riffs all but disseminate into the atmosphere which is pretty well done. The drumming is just perfect for the vehicle that DÏATRÏBE has chosen. Track # 4 ‘Next To The Lamb’ is the longest on the record “Satyric Eye” at 7 minutes. It packs the DARKTHRONE aggression, steep atmospheric curves with a sinusoidal drumming. “Satyric Eye” is an engaging album which ticks off all boxes for me, granted, some people might not like the slightly screechy approach but that’s part of the craft here. It adds to the overall charm. Black Metal fans should definitely lend their ear to this album. Normally, I’d go on about the production but DÏATRÏBE’s overall sound fits in the mission and the vision here. For more information, please visit: https://diatribe0band.bandcamp.com, www.facebook.com/ibdc666