Bâ'a - Egrégore (2022)

Hailing from France, today we have Black Metal outfit Bâ'a and their intense sophomore release “Egrégore”. Featuring Rms Hreidmarr on vocals, this trio delivers 42 minutes of ravaging music with some resemblance to Au Champ des Morts and Anorexia Nervosa minus the over-the-top arrangements. Each track being more intense and punishing than the previous one, this is one of those releases that will leave the listener begging for mercy while asking for more at the same time.

The release immediately takes over the listener’s speakers with the ravaging “In Umbra et Luce” and its mysterious opening guitar, which quickly transform into a relentless barrage of pummeling riffs. There is a certain sinister pace to the band’s sound that borders into melodic territories as tracks like “Domitor” and the fierce “Bellum”.

Hreidmarr vocals as always create a visceral feeling of anxiety as they perfectly transform from slow and clean to hellish as seen between “Fames” and “Obitusque”. Being huge fans of all his bands, there is a certain rawness and dynamism to his style that not many vocalists can pull off. This last track also oozes of melancholy when the band shifts gears, further showcasing their versatility and excellent song-writing skills.

Closing with the hypnotic pace of “Urbi et orbi Clamant”, we are left blown away by how intense, versatile, and refined “Egrégore” is. Bâ'a is a band with a very concise and devastating sound that is extremely well crafted and brutally delivered. If you like punishing Black Metal with a good dose of mystery, melody, and brilliant production, this is the release for you.

Label: Osmose Productions

Release: March 25th, 2022

Genre: Black Metal

Country: France