France, Toulouse based Black Metal band ERGHOLAE SOMPTATOR returns with their third full-length release, “À Cort Et À Cri”. Formed in 2013, the pair of Veneur Bouquet (drums, vocals) and Limier Louis-Honoré (guitars, bass, vocals) keep growing on by playing a raw, aggressive, classique Black Metal sound while exploring avant-garde elements throughout their 12-year go. This album features one lengthy 23-minute track alongside two instrumentals, showcasing their experimental side. The title, which translates to “To The Sound”, hints at a wild exploration of furious Black Metal with surprising shifts in riff styles and tempo variations. The haunting opener, ‘Aller D’Effroi’ sets that eerie tone, drawing listeners into the band’s dark realm. This instrumental, dominated by the amazingly provocative French Horn played by Daniel Capel, hold your interest with its unsettling allure. Imagine, Dizzy Gillespie inflating his cheeks blow a French horn instead of his Trumpet. The later centerpiece, ‘Pourchasser’, translating to “Chasing” is a sprawling 23-minute journey that skillfully blends ear-piercing riffs, intense drumming reminiscent of Fenriz, and visceral vocal attacks from the duo. While this lengthy track may test the patience of some, but it showcases their ability to balance intensity with intricate songwriting, shifting from chaos to eerie calm, especially with the minimalistic yet powerful drum passages. Closing with the engrossing instrumental ‘Drap De Mort’, translate as “Sheet Of Death”, the album leaves ears and mind in an absorbed state, highlighting the band’s atmospheric depth though only three numbers lengthening just the 30 minute mark. The production, re-amped and mixed in 2024, captures their raw energy, ensuring prominent vocals and a cohesive sound that blends classic Black Metal influences with unexpected twists. The stunning cover artwork by Veneur Bouquet reflects the album’s eerie atmosphere, and with these “À Cort Et À Cri” should solidify ERGHOLAE SOMPTATOR’s place in the French Black Metal scene which never stops producing and surprising. It should also be appealing to both fans and newcomers alike with its thought-provoking and boundary-pushing approach, with live playing of these numbers should allure more. This album is now available on a 4-panel digipak and with an 8-page booklet (CD, limited 300 copies) for grabs. Find out more on the band and label here: www.facebook.com/ergholaesomptator, www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563068500501