Verdun - The Eternal Drift's Canticles

Tracklist:-

1. Mankind Sepukku

2. Self-Inflicted Mutalitation

3. Dark Matter Crisis

4. Glowing Shadows

5. Jupiter's Cover

We're now well over halfway through 2016, yet even more gloriously heavy music is being thrust into the ears of those who seek it. French sludge/doom band Verdun released their first full-length via Throatruiner Records/Lost Pilgrims Records/Head Records at the end of April. Their last release was an EP back in 2012, so they've been taking their time with this one. I have no problem with bands taking their time over writing and recording, so this should be worth be wait.

I’ve been waiting for this moment all day. I find French bands amongst the most captivating. I mean every country has their own take on heavy, atmospheric music but France just seems to do it better. The Eternal Drift’s Canticles opens up with what sounds like Accordion’s that build in volume to an almost defining level on Mankind Sepukku. They give way to slow and heavy sludge, chant-like singing and tortured screams. The hypnotic duo of powerful drums and sporadic melodic lead work is a strong recipe that makes this thirteen-plus minute opener more engaging. There’s a menace hovering over Self-Inflicted Mutalitation and it’s not just because of the sample at the start. It all starts off rather minimalistic but you just know it’s not going to stay like that. Verdun channels grooves like the best of them and while having subtleties in common with US cousins Primitive Man, they plough their own dank furrow. There’s a slight increase in tempo here but don’t let that fool you. The guitar on Dark Matter Crisis envelopes itself around you like a bizarre Western soundtrack, at least for a little while anyway. It isn’t long before things are back to normal (if there is such a thing!). The good thing about Verdun’s take on sludge is that it’s written and performed in a way that keeps the listener hooked. The songs aren’t filled with stop/start sections and it all fits together as one whole. Verdun takes a step mournful step back into slower territory on Glowing Shadows, but the meaty riffs make it sound more up-tempo. This is a more droning affair for the most part, with vocals used sparingly. It’s still beautifully jarring though. Closing song Jupiter’s Cover pulls some black metal textures up from somewhere and takes the mood even deeper. It’s entire duration is strangely comforting even during this muggy summer’s evening. Verdun has produced a very strong record in The Eternal Drift’s Canticles. Fifty-five minutes of disgustingly precise sludge/doom/hardcore pleasure. 

You can stream and purchase The Eternal Drift's Canticles in various form and merch packages below:-

It's also available from Throatruiner Records & Lost Pilgrims Records here -
http://lostpilgrimsrecords.limitedrun.com/categories/all
http://deathwishinceurope.limitedrun.com/categories/throatruiner-records

Verdun Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Verdun
Throatruiner Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/throatruiner
Lost Pilgrims Records Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LostPilgrimsRecords