If you’re wondering why I’m so late with this review, it’s because we didn’t get the promo, and I had to wait like a total pleb for the album to come out. Humiliating, I know! However, I’m a huge fan of The Great Old Ones. The band has been delivering astonishing and terrifying Lovecraft-inspired Black Metal for more than a decade now. Ever since EOD, I’ve been hooked. So, my expectations are as high as they can get when it comes to Kadath. I almost feel sorry for these guys and the impossible standards they’ll be subjected to.
If you love Cosmicism or anything else the band has done before, I’m happy to tell you that consistency prevails in a catalog that has almost no flaws. There are some changes to the formula, though. The Great Old Ones has toned down the cosmic horror a little and seems to immerse itself in a more hostile and epic atmosphere that almost resembles the latest Veilburner album. It has that dissonant and even Proggy vibe that makes me question what box to put this in. Either way, I love the ambition shown in Kadath.
It’s probably the most complex and varied songwriting the band has put out to date. I’m impressed by how many changes, harrowing and emotional guitar work, powerful drumming, and diverse vocals there are. I mean, it’s Black Metal where you can hear the bass, and it sounds thick! What else can I ask for? This thing only has mammoth tracks, and rarely did I find myself losing focus. Sure, it wasn’t the grooviest ride, but Kadath forces you to think by throwing so many ideas at you that work so well together. It’s an intellectual challenge that might take a few rounds to fully grasp.
Now, I need to warn you: this album is crazy long. As in, Lord of the Rings long. But don’t worry, there’s much less pointless walking and jargon here. With tracks like “Leng“ hitting exactly 15 minutes, the challenge is set. Also, do we need “The Gathering“? And it wouldn’t be French Black Metal without some snobbish talking here and there. These are small details, but you know I dislike talking in my Metal.
That was nitpicking. This is excellent Black Metal that looks into the abyss and laughs because it’s darker and existentially emptier. Time will tell how it compares to previous releases, but The Great Old Ones has proven once again that no other band can portray the void with this level of grandeur. Getting lost in the obscure has never felt so satisfying.
Label: Season of Mist
Release date: January 23, 2025
Website: https://www.facebook.com/thegreatoldones
Country: France
Score: A terrifying 3.7/5.0
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