The newest signing of the French premier Black Metal label Les Acteurs De L’Ombre Productions is a creative duo from Rouen, Normandy called MÒR. Around for about ten years now, they managed to release just a demo and a live album until today. “Hear The Hour Nearing!” is their first full length studio album. Unlike most Black Metal acts from France, MÒR sing in English, fitting to the more raw approach of the band. Yet, they still manage to keep their sound atmospheric and rather melodic. When I first listened to “Hear The Hour Nearing!”, I thought of IMMORTAL, “At The Heart Of Winter” era, played on 45 RPM. Of course this description doesn’t completely do justice to MÒR, as they are far from being a (high speed) clone of a popular band. Vast instrumental passages and sparingly, yet effectively inserted slow or even quiet breaks often create atmospheres that are quite typical for bands from France. It’s especially the new songs that weren’t featured on the demo from 2015 who impress with these special traits, making ‘Letter Of Loss’ and ‘Sutcivni Los’ highlights of the album. But the furious and catching opener ‘The Vanishing Of Matter’ and the final ‘Smaragdina’ are great as well. Those who dig Black Metal with class and atmosphere, especially in “French style”, should lend MÒR their ear. You might do so at: http://666mor666.bandcamp.com. And it’s always worth checking out the label responsible at: www.facebook.com/ladloproductions