The Austrian/Canadian trio Déstresse emerged in 2023 and now present their first official statement in the form of a full-length album, released through the renowned German label Vendetta Records — a home to numerous leading Black Metal acts. While Déstresse may be a relatively new name, its members are anything but newcomers. According to reliable sources on Metal Archives, they primarily lend their talents as live musicians in other projects, which certainly speaks to their experience and stage presence.
What immediately stands out about Déstresse is their uncompromising sound: raw, cold, and layered, without falling into the trap of generic atmospheric clichés. The band clearly draws from the more atmospheric side of the Black Metal spectrum, yet distinguishes itself through its gritty, abrasive guitar tone. Whereas many atmospheric bands rely on heavy layers of reverb to achieve a dreamlike, ethereal quality, Déstresse keeps things sharper and more immediate — giving their music a cutting edge and a harsh, biting character.
Another intriguing aspect is their use of both German and French in their lyrics. This combination is relatively uncommon in the genre and adds a unique dynamic to their lyrical expression. German, with its harsh consonants and commanding cadence, reinforces the cold, rigid aura of their sound, while French introduces something more uncanny, almost ritualistic. The interplay between the two languages works surprisingly well and enhances the overall depth of the material.
Tracks like the magnificent “Der Alte Weg”, which sends a shiver down your spine from the very first notes, exemplify the band’s ability to translate tension and frost into sound. The song unfolds with a dragging, mournful progression soaked in melancholy and dread, with guitars slicing through the mix like icy winds. The vocals are both scathing and weary — as if echoing from a lost past that refuses to die.
Another highlight is “Die Ruhe Trägt”, which leans further into the atmospheric realm while never abandoning the band’s core identity. Here, Déstresse shows their compositional range: elongated passages are punctuated by violent bursts, and the contrast between stillness and aggression is handled with subtlety and precision. The atmosphere borders on meditative, yet retains a sense of unrelenting coldness and detachment.
With such tracks, the trio proves not only their technical and compositional prowess but also a strong sense of atmosphere and narrative. It is precisely this blend of rawness, introspection, and consistency that makes their work so compelling — and convincing.
With this debut, Déstresse delivers a striking first impression that refuses to be easily categorized. The combination of harsh atmosphere, thoughtful songwriting, and a multilingual, expressive approach makes them a band to watch closely. For fans of Black Metal who appreciate experimentation and boundary-pushing artistry, Déstresse is not a name you’ll want to overlook.
85/100
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