Archvile King – Aux Heures Désespérées

Emerging at the end of 2019, Archvile King is the solo project of french multi-instrumentalist Baurus. Archvile King is once again collaborating with Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions for the release of his new 2026 album entitled, Aux Heures Désespérées.

Tracklist:

1. Riposte

2. Le Chant des Braves

3. L’Excusé

4. Le Carneval du Roi des Vers

5. Sépulture

6. Aux Heures Désespérées

7. A ces Batailles Abandonnées

8. …Et aux Hommes Misérables

In 2022 Baurus released the full-length debut À La Ruine, an album which received a positive reception for its ferocious combination of old-school thrash and traditional black metal. Now we jump into 2026 and the release of Aux Heures Désespérées (trans. In Desperate Hours) his second album under the moniker of Archvile King.

First thing noticeable is the album’s fantastically beautiful- and I would say atypical and unusual black metal cover, which was also designed by David Thiérrée. Another thing immediately noticeable is Aux Heures Désespérées‘ quite raw and militant expression, but despite the more brutal approach, there are the obligatory melodies that has become trademark of French black metal.

This sophomore album consists of eight relentless tracks, (and almost 47 minutes of playing time) where Baurus’ drawing from the sharp, biting sounds of retro thrash- and black metal, his music fully reflects his inspirations, offering intoxicating melodies over riffs as sharp as rusted steel.

Lyrically, on this particular opus, Archvile King pulls us deeper into its world with a new concept album plunging further into the swamps of the ‘King of Worms’ (this time Baurus recounts the final great battle of humankind against the vile ‘Worm King’) while continuously fusing the elements of heavy, black and thrash metal with an overall grandiose sound. In other words; Aux Heures Désespérées is characterized by an epic, medieval and melancholic atmosphere (evoking memories of the 90s Scandinavian scene!?) that blends aggressive black metal with high-fantasy storytelling. It frequently shifts between savage and visceral blasting sections and more ethereal and soft melancholic moments.

Two essential tracks for me are; “Le Carneval du Roi des Vers” because it perfectly highlights the album’s concept featuring an anxious & noisy introduction and shifting rhythmic temperaments, and the title track “Aux Heures Désespérées” being a centerpiece of the album while showcasing the project’s signature ‘rusted steel’ riffs and melodic black metal style.

Overall, Aux Heures Désespérées is an incredibly charming work that cements the fact that Archvile King has an incredible amount of potential. While it’s highly recommended for fans of French black metal, and particularly those who enjoy bands like Aorlhac, Seth, Les Chants de Nihil, Walg, Simulacre, Heltekvad or Darkenhöld, Aux Heures Désespérées undoubtedly has the potential to attract new listeners and some new black metal enthusiasts.

www.ladlo.bandcamp.com/album/aux-heures-d-sesp-r-es