Belore – Eastern Tales

Honestly, my boss really did not have to try hard to sell this record to me. I believe I discovered as much as the primary artist behind this project was of Darkenhöld fame (another French Black Metal band whom I have some affinity) before I jumped at the chance. Then, much to my delight, I then learned that he has conscripted the drummer of Nydvind, a Pagan Metal band, to help him shape this particular vision of theirs – A vision entitled Eastern Tales. 

Musically, it is precisely what you would expect considering the pedigree of both musicians that make up the bulwark of the band; A Black Metal framework strengthened through the use of many traditionally Folk Metal approaches (here short-handed by using an electric keyboard to add both keys, flutes and an overall ethereal feel to all seven tracks). The music is at the same time also kept very ‘clean’, as well as slowly paced, somewhat akin to a leisurely stroll through a forest, a mental image of dew gently placing itself upon all the plant life and wooden cottages unevenly spread across a meadow forming within your minds eye – It is an approach that works exceedingly well with Black Metal when done correctly, which in my experience is, sadly, relatively rare due to how fickle these mental landscapes can be. Nevertheless, Belore not only succeeds, but does so in such a strong manner that I could not help but draw strong parallels to American one-woman act Crown Of Asteria, the last band I came across who managed to pull this off for me. 

Aside from this, admittedly, somewhat esoteric description I must sadly hone up to finding myself at a loss for words, wise or otherwise. I genuinely enjoy the overall atmosphere and sound of Belore as a band and the forty-three minutes present on this, their third Full-length album has certainly inspired me to go looking for their previous releases, if nothing else then to add them to my collection of Pagan Black Metal. 

Below can be found “Battle For Therallas”, chosen partially due to the fact that it is an excellent example of what the record has to offer, partially the visual aspect added by it having not only a music video attached, but one that I feel encapsulates not only the medieval fantasy lyrics present throughout, but serves as a subtle homage to their French roots as well. 

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