The American duo Edicule began their activities in 2020 and released their first EP Apotheosis a year later — a promising introduction to their uncompromising take on Black Metal. Now, four years later, their long-awaited debut album is out on cassette via Fiadh Productions. Unfortunately, it’s limited to just 25 copies, which feels rather sparse given the quality of the material — because it certainly isn’t the band or the music that’s lacking.
Edicule delivers a furious and unapologetic form of Black Metal, firmly rooted in the second wave tradition. Think the unrelenting ferocity of early Emperor and the cold intensity of Gorgoroth, but with a distinct voice of their own. Amidst the blast beats, icy tremolo riffs, and harrowing vocals, there are occasional atmospheric layers of synths and keyboards that lend the music a slightly symphonic edge — yet never soften the aggression. These elements are used with restraint and purpose, adding depth to the compositions without diluting their raw core.
The pace is generally relentless, but Edicule knows when to pull back slightly, weaving in slower passages that add an ominous undercurrent. The production is raw yet clear enough to let every layer breathe — exactly what this kind of Black Metal needs: intense, honest, and unpolished.
Tracks like “Body Without a Soul” immediately hit hard. It’s a prime example of Edicule’s ability to blend sheer intensity with atmosphere. The savage riffs and slicing vocals are occasionally underscored by subtle synth touches, giving the track a layered quality reminiscent of early Dimmu Borgir, back when their symphonic elements were still raw and sparse. The comparison isn’t far-fetched — where Dimmu once bridged melody and aggression in the ’90s, Edicule achieves something similar here, but without ever compromising their vision.
The following track, “Further into Night”, continues that trajectory, opting for a slightly more layered approach. The guitar work stands out here in particular, with multiple lines intertwining in a subtle, textured way. The riffs alternate between classic tremolo patterns and more dissonant accents, giving the song a feeling that’s both familiar and unsettling. It’s a clear testament to Edicule’s compositional skill — this is not a band merely throwing things together, but one working with clear intent and structural awareness.
The ferocious “They Shall Take up Serpents” is without a doubt a peak moment on this album. From the first second, the song drags you into a blizzard of blast beats and razor-sharp riffs, leaving no room to breathe. This is Edicule at their most unrelenting: uncompromising, intense, and fully in overdrive. The production remains raw, the atmosphere oppressive, and the performance utterly devastating.
Schrei’s vocals deserve special mention here. His voice cuts through the mix like a dull knife through flesh — rough, painful, and completely unfiltered. There’s a desperate rage in his delivery that aligns perfectly with the biblical tone of the song title, giving the whole piece a near-ritualistic intensity. It doesn’t feel like he’s singing lyrics; it sounds more like he’s screaming out an ancient curse that’s been buried for centuries.
Musically, the song is tightly executed: the pace is breakneck, yet the band never loses control. The layered guitar work remains coherent even at full speed, and the drums surge through the composition like a storm. Despite the chaos, there’s a surprising sense of dynamics — with subtle tempo shifts and rhythmic accents keeping the track engaging until its final second.
With this debut album, Edicule proves they’re far more than just another name in the crowded Black Metal underground. This is a band with vision, fire, and craft. They seamlessly blend the raw fury of the second wave with atmospheric depth, without sacrificing an ounce of intensity. Every track holds its weight, with standout moments that continue to resonate long after the tape has stopped spinning. While Fiadh Productions’decision to release only 25 copies makes sense from a DIY perspective, it hardly does justice to the power of this release. Let’s hope this is only the beginning — because Ediculeundoubtedly deserves a place on the radar of anyone who craves uncompromising, honest, and soul-scorching Black Metal.
85/100
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