Oathbreaker
Eros | Anteros

From a Maelstrom of Lovecraftian memory in Belgium two years later, they attempt to revive Greek mythology by drawing inspiration for a new full-length album Eros & Anteros, the former being the god of love and the latter of reciprocated love, capable of being vengeful if it is broken. Those engaged in this ritual are Oathbreaker, who use the contrasting and dual imagery to create a work that best embodies their musical identity. They are Lennart Bossu, Gilles Demolder, Ivo Debrabandere, and last but not least, Caro Tanghe, hailing from Ghent and signed to Deathwish. Strange, huh? Another artist from the Beverly label showcasing undeniable potential and compositional skills.

Don’t be misled by the ambient and delicately noisy start of "(Beeltenis)" featuring the recitation of Maurice Maeterlinck (Nobel Literature 1911), what awaits you on the tortuous journey of "Eros | Anteros" is a total immersion into darkness. The corrosive hardcore foundation that distinguishes this Belgian quartet is complemented by a harsh and enveloping atmosphere that consumes every single moment at its disposal. The voracious soul is predominant and you will be greeted by barrages with black metal-like or converging dissonances (pardon the neologism). A path paved with dark and stormy caverns where the primordial aggression and schizophrenic instinct prevail, materializing in riffs where melody does appear, but disguised as adrenaline rushes and malevolently nostalgic shades that hit without mercy. But once the cornerstone is laid, Oathbreaker begins to weave tapestries that hypnotically diverge from hardcore in favor of fully post-hardcore/metal developments, reminiscent of their compatriots AmenRa. The melancholic arpeggios captivate and slowly usher into another dimension with a sound that remains firmly chained to their personality. Thus, there are not only sporadic cases of atmospheric openings, ascending climaxes, but well-architected songwriting that embraces sludge-flavored slowdowns and allows Oathbreaker to reveal themselves as a shapeshifting creature.

An apocalyptic and nocturnal imagery characterizes "Eros | Anteros", where an icy moon witnesses the arid desolation pronounced by Caro Tanghe, who proves to be the linchpin and metronome capable of dictating the march of Oathbreaker. Her vocal cords navigate in versatility, and while being at the forefront in delivering a frontal assault, they are also capable of conceiving clean drawn-out and gently subdued chants in the intimate and more relaxed moments of the platter; the most obvious of clichés triggering the calm before the storm. This is Tanghe’s ability to create spectral glimpses that form a disturbingly magnetic and daunting double personality. Thus, forging a sound with mystical traits, among searing riffs and patterns that juggle between sharp strides and sepulchral chimes violently crashing against Caro's voice. The fiery vehemence reappears when the blind fury seems to have subsided, a constant alternation between tension and illusory peace. Rising like a phoenix from its ashes, the darkest heart of Oathbreaker always finds a way to emerge.

This leads to the over 11-minute “Clair Obscur”, a closing track that undeniably accents an already stellar performance, featuring special guest guitarist Kurt Ballou (producer of the album). I won't hide it: it's one of my favorite tracks of this musical year and furthermore, within "Eros | Anteros", it showcases the significant progress made by the Belgians. In a whispered and expansive post-matrix where we inevitably head towards the sunset, they deliver a massive instrumental crescendo that overwhelms any unwary listener through oppressive distortions, making it impossible not to hit repeat to dive once more into the hysterical unrest of Oathbreaker. What’s that? You haven’t done it yet? What are you waiting for? There will be no point of return.