Metalcatto
I’ve been a reviewer long enough to understand one thing: I’m not easily intimidated by album promos. So when Matraque’s Nature Morte came in claiming to be full of aggression, depression, and despair, I felt like saying, “Yeah, right—I’ve heard it all before. Start playing and then we talk.” However, there were a few signs this album was going to be something else in terms of horror. One: the sober and yet sinister artwork. Two: the small number of tracks. But let’s see if I was right after all.
Nature Morte isn’t an easy listen. In fact, it’s among the least accessible albums I’ve put myself through this year. The only way I could describe it in a few words is as if you took Thou, made it a bit more rhythmically dynamic and experimental, and then tried to crush as many dreams and illusions as you could. Matraque has an uncompromising vision, delivering oppressive Metal that will make more than one person feel genuinely sick. Its callousness is undeniable, and its lack of interest in making you happy is astonishing.
This album has seas of abrasive distortion to drown in. As it moves closer to the end, the tracks become more and more Drone-like. I’m not sure how on board I am with that, but it does give Matraque its own identity, rather than being just another Sludge/Doom wannabe act. By the time we reach track five, we find ourselves completely lost in despair and confusion. Another element worth highlighting is the vocal performance—it’s far from typical for this kind of release. There are plenty of Death Metal moments, but also straight-up chaos and madness. There’s no other way to describe it.
You’ve probably noticed by now that Nature Morte isn’t for people who like to have fun and play board games. It’s hostile and strange, like the planet Venus. If it were rain, it’d be made of sulfuric acid. That’s exactly why it can be so hard to get into. On top of that, I feel like there are basically two intermission tracks here—”Malimon” and “Pry Py nak”—and you know about my dislike for material that potentially distracts from the main objective. I get that the other tracks are corrosive, introspective journeys, but couldn’t we just have one six-minute-long weird “soft” track instead? But maybe the guys in Matraque just wanted to play with white noise. It certainly makes you anxious.
The absolute negativity that Matraque showcases on Nature Morte isn’t an accident. It reveals a band with a committed purpose and vision—something I absolutely respect. But let’s be honest: very few of us are built to endure this plunge into nihilism. So if you’re up for a Post/Sludge experience that will test your resistance and sanity, this album is calling your name. Otherwise, there’s always one or two cheerful Power Metal releases waiting for you next week.
Label: Ashen Tree Records
Release date: May 1, 2025
Website: https://socprofile.com/matraque
Country: Belarus
Score: A sulfuric 3.3/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 