Metalcatto
When we talk about retro-Metal at MER, we usually end up talking about rancid Death Metal or potato-production Black Metal. However, rarely do we run into a band like Zeicrydeus; one that’s honestly hard to define beyond saying “these guys play a bunch of Metal that reminds me of what dad used to put on here and there.” La Grande Hérésie should be promising just by the fact of having a French title. You know, that usually means this is going to be excellent or cause me indigestion. Let’s start!
La Grande Hérésie is a trip through the history of Metal as a whole. Sure, there aren’t too many soft or cheesy moments, so not all our history is represented here, but you have so much of the harsher styles sprinkled in accessible beats. Most of the tracks might be long, but they’re all divided into direct and easy-to-digest sections. Some would argue that it makes things feel sloppy, but I think the subtle nature of these changes makes it a pass. This retro-eclecticism pays off for once. I’m just pleased to not feel that unbearable nostalgia while I spin this one around.
The production is the main protagonist for Zeicrydeus. It’s dirty, but it highlights the nature of its music. Everything is to the point and in short energy bursts. That’s where the album truly mimics the old times. The melodic ideas are welcoming and I must say that bass sounds thick! Now, that’s more modern, but it’s still highly appreciated. Yet, the drums sound like you’re bashing some trash bins to oblivion, and I mean that mostly as a compliment. They definitely keep you on your toes. La Grande Hérésie somehow feels like evil Iron Maiden, not in practice, but in spirit—and that’s something I can get behind.
As you know though, I’ve committed heresy properly many times by saying Iron Maiden is barely interesting for anyone looking into extreme Metal beyond historical trivia. Zeicrydeus sticks to ideas that are fun, but I wouldn’t call them new, especially when the song structure leans toward long epic journeys that can reach the nine-minute mark. On a more obnoxious note, there are two interlude tracks in this album that didn’t change things much, so you could easily jump over them if the material doesn’t sonically overwhelm you (given your degenerate ears, I highly doubt you’d need a break anyway).
This album offers an interesting approach to many old ideas. It does it now, in the era where the riff has become hard to decipher sometimes. The child in me could follow, and that’s always a plus. Even if the pacing and the writing made me puzzled at times, I can acknowledge the craft behind it. Also, that cover art is fire, let’s admit that! A good one always helps a band get mercy from us, despite how “only into the music” we claim to be (stop lying to yourself, you’re a shallow creature too!). Until next time!
Label: Gates Of Hell Records
Release date: 25 July, 2025
Website: https://productionstso.bandcamp.com/album/la-grande-heresie
Country: Canada
Score: 3.5/5.0
Metal Eclipse Reviews 