Decline of the I – Wilhelm

I hate being late, but what can I do when all the bands want to release something cool on Valentine’s Day? (so much for being evil music!) Having said that, Decline of the I is probably the last thing you want to put on to set the mood. Wilhelm is an album with layers and horrors that aren’t for that kind of atmosphere (unless you’re reading this carefully, in which case you love anything disturbing and strange). I’ll do my best to even try to define what the album is going for, because this is a wild animal, and I’m not sure we can tame it. But how about we try!

One of our most beloved readers (shout out to Bragging Rights!) put it better: Wilhelm is what would happen if Behemoth had the guts to write the music it claims to do. It’s a sinister and savage trip into philosophical and moral speculation that’s not so common in the Post/Black Metal scene. The album really portrays the Fear and Trembling of our morally chaotic times (what? You didn’t read your Kierkegaard before listening to the album? I’m disappointed!). So, don’t let its first minutes fool you—there’s more here than uncensored violence. The album is trying to make you think, and I’d say it succeeds at that.

The most important element in Wilhelm is the writing choices. There are so many changes and bold moves here and there that honestly risk alienating many listeners while engaging those of us who love madness. Even if, at times, there’s no way to tell which direction the album is going to take. I appreciate that amidst the chaos and existential dread, there are many moments of reflection. It clearly shows that Decline of the I isn’t just another band in the pile—it’s another proud representative of the French scene (the only scene that can hold a candle to the Nordic or German scenes lately).

Why is the guy on the right looking at my soul?

There are a few things to keep in mind before you bathe in French cheese. Wilhelm has a challenging structure that doesn’t comply with Black Metal standards. Some of the tracks do linger a bit too long in the meditative areas, and you know it can’t be a French album without someone talking in the middle of a riff to say something poetic (preferably in French). Fortunately, the band doesn’t abuse that narrative tool. I mean, these guys clearly take themselves seriously, but the music isn’t pretentious per se—at least not in a bad way.

I’m pleased to have run into this philosophical chimera, where decadence and despair are abundant, but so is fascinating songwriting. To be fair, Wilhelm isn’t for everyone. However, I still think it’s one of 2025’s big surprises. Time will tell if it claims a place in my cold heart, but I’m confident that we can all agree Wilhelm’s cover art is a vast improvement from the one in Johannes, right? Don’t you dare contradict me, children!

Label: Agonia Records

Release date: February 14, 2025

Website: https://www.facebook.com/declineofthei

Country: France

Score: Screw this! let’s risk it all! 4.0/5.0