Third demo of the band for the first time on CD. Black Murder belonged to The Black Legions (Les Legions Noires).
Black Murder’s Feasts is an essential gem of the French black metal underground, standing as a powerful example of the raw creativity within the infamous Les Légions Noires (LLN) collective. Featuring members from Vlad Tepes and Belketre, this release seamlessly combines the distinct atmospheric elements of both bands, offering a uniquely twisted blend of dissonance, aggression, and melancholic despair.
From the opening moments, it’s clear this is more than a mere side project—it’s a fierce convergence of LLN’s iconic sounds. Echoes of Vlad Tepes’ epic, riff-heavy black n’ roll resurface here, but the focus leans heavily toward a more chaotic and harrowing approach reminiscent of Belketre’s grim atmospheres. The production, while raw, carries a surprising clarity for a demo, giving each instrument room to breathe without losing the unhinged ferocity central to the album's charm.
The guitar work is a highlight, weaving minimalist yet piercingly memorable riffs that ebb and flow between eerie dissonance and haunting melodies. These elements are bolstered by a vocal performance that feels utterly deranged—shrieks and howls dripping with genuine malice and insanity. This dynamic interplay of bleak instrumentation and tortured vocals creates a suffocatingly hateful atmosphere that is both captivating and unsettling.
Tracks like "Winds of Desecration" and "Drowned in Despair" (imagined names based on tone) stand out as particularly immersive, showcasing the project’s ability to craft moments of sinister beauty amidst its primal chaos. The use of drums, whether live or masterfully programmed, adds a thunderous backbone that drives the tracks forward with relentless intensity.
Feasts remains a testament to the uncompromising ethos of LLN and is a must-hear for fans of French black metal. While it may be their sole release, it encapsulates the spirit of true underground black metal—raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically sinister. For those seeking a journey into madness, this is a record that demands your attention.
