Metalcatto
It’s been a while since we’ve been to space! It was so hot last year, while now it seems to have cooled down (that’s a fact!). However, Eminentia Tenebris bring us something peculiar in Whispers of the Undying. It’s a space opera! And who doesn’t like those? Especially when they come in the form of Symphonic/Black Metal that has the rawness and drama that Dimmu Borgir has been lacking for the last twenty years. Also, is it possible that for once Antiq didn’t send us something recorded with a potato? Let’s find out!
I must admit it, my first impression was rather positive. Whispers manages to be epic, uplifting, but still raw and aggressive enough. It’s a strange combination between Vorga and Dissection, where you can feel the vastness of space, but also the melodic work rules the themes. I know there’s some dramatic plot going on here about heroic deeds that transcend aeons and planets, or something like that. I was too distracted and engaged with all the bombastic action happening. In other words, I was having too much fun, so hate me for not digging as deep this time.
Eminentia Tenebris might be the first French band in the history of MER that doesn’t give us a pretentious monologue about, I don’t know — existence and pain? Whatever edgy thing you think about. For that, the band is already going to get praise. I sense a lot of Swedish Hyperion here too, and that’s awesome. One can dream of a second album from that band I guess, but Whispers comes close. So yes, there’s also an element of nostalgia in this work, despite how different it might feel from your average Black Metal release.
As usual, my biggest issue is still with the production. It reminds me a bit of And Oceans… I understand that’s supposed to transport us to a parallel dimension of chaos, but Eminentia Tenebris’ music is just too epic and organized to benefit much from that rusty feeling. The next question you might be asking is: does it get cheesy? Well, not too much. But the vocals are rather savage, so you’ve got to adjust to those too if you want to enjoy this voyage. It seems my complaints aren’t too brutal this time. I guess I’m getting soft.
Overall, Eminentia Tenebris should have a bigger following, in my not-so-humble opinion. Its music offers something definitely entertaining, and I usually hate symphonic stuff because I can’t stand its corniness. This is a good example of how to write an over-the-top opera without making us blush or devolving into something inaccessible. Finally, can I just say I love the colors of the cover art? They make it look like a Power Metal album — but good!
Label: Antiq
Release date: July 4, 2025
Website: https://eminentiatenebris.bandcamp.com/
Country: France
Score: 3.8/5.0 and beyond!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 