French Black Metal is possibly the only scene where I do not own an extensive amount of records. The only scene in which I have not gone out of my way to delve into is that of the French. I have heard outstanding things about bands like Deathspell Omega, Alcest and so many others. For some odd reason I have been late to hop on the momentous French Black Metal train. Therefore I have dedicated this next week plus to the review of two underrated and slightly overlooked bands along with two very good albums.

I had just found out about Merrimack a few days ago and upon first listening to a nice mid-paced track of their most recent album decided to purchase one of their more acclaimed titles. This is Ashes of Purification. Before popping in the disc, I expected a subdued and built up approach similar to what I had heard from Deathspell Omega. I could not be more wrong. The first thing that grazes my ears is a slashing and evil guitar riff, before opening the gates for blast beats and incredibly intense vocals. The first song is entitled Suicide. The simple title and first few seconds of the song do not reveal the depth and complication to Merrimack. After only hearing small portions of French Black Metal I still find it safe to declare some of the best songwriters and musicians dwell in this scene. Suicide quickly shows the quality of the song. There are emotive riffs, complex drums, and some of the harshest vocals I have ever heard. There is a lot of dimension to the song. Merrimack are able to capture so many feelings and express so much talent with no song being more than 7 minutes. After Suicide sears through the room like the Human Torch taking a gasoline shower, Paedophitic Orgasmatron enters with a slow and doomy riff laid over relaxed drums. The song titles, lyrics, and cover art all declare Merrimack as one of the most sacrilegious and blasphemous bands in the world at this point. Paedophitic Orgasmatron is one of the more progressive and atmospheric songs on Ashes of Purification. Instead of working on this track to show off their skillful musical prowess, the try here to create an atmosphere with their songwriting. I cannot say whether this track is a success or failure, it is just a very different track from the opener, Suicide. This provides a breather before more fire can scorch your headphones. Paedophitic Orgasmatron ends in a rush however, with blast beats and potent intensity. Merrimack on Ashes of Purification conjure one of the heaviest albums I have heard in French Black Metal. What distinguishes Ashes of Purification from the majority of the most infamous French bands is that they bring a fiery brutality to the table without relying on incredibly long songs or over-progressivism. This does not mean at all that there is only one dimension to Ashes of Purification. The transfers between speeds and times in each song ensure that the intensity brought forth by the band is not wasted.

Too many bands in many genres (see Deathcore) rely on only the heaviness of their sound, shirking any and all songwriting niches. The vox throughout Ashes of Purification are amongst the most violent in the French scene.

Another standout track is Live the Lie. There is plenty of heaviness and groove to go along with the menacing atmosphere. The drums provide a progressive look at traditional sound, switching from miniscule bells and whistles that make the song as entertaining as it should be. What is great about Ashes of Purification is the sound of the band is not overly polished, raw, yet discernable. If Merrimack continue in this vein they will experience many successes in the future. Ashes of Purification is a solid look at the French scene.