Galibot – Catabase

Galibot is a melodic black metal band, but also the name given to children who were sent to work in the mines of Northern France. And for good reason, as the quintet hails from the town of Wallers-Arenberg, Northern France. Galibot was initiated in 2023 by Thomas, Agathe and Clément, at the beginning as a studio project. After the release of their 2024 debut Euch’mau Noir (The Black Devil in Ch’ti) they decided to make few live performances, which made them determined to write their second album together, this time as a five-piece.

Released via Les Acteurs de l’Ombre Productions, Catabase is the moniker of Galibot’ sophomore full-length with almost 42 minutes of duration. On this latest opus the band still explores the dark and infernal identity of Northern France, but not only that, as this new 11-tracker is actually structured in two parts, where the band ‘leave the mine behind to explore other infernal facets of Northern France, through its history, its folk legends, its macabre and epic landscapes’. The result is more nuanced and divese album, marked by more varied themes, songwriting and compositions, as well as a stronger and more polished production. I know some black metal purists/elitist might argue that a crystal clear production doesn’t benefit this kind of black metal artists, but in this case I think that Galibot has found the right balance between this traditional raw and visceral approach paired with modern and cleaner sound. In other words; I think Galibot accomplished once again to release an uncompromising record that will have big appeal for fans of MGLA, Misþyrming, Forteresse, Regarde les Hommes Tomber, Behemoth, Non Est Deus, and other similar dark, raw, visceral, cold (post!?) melodic black metal acts.

What makes their sound so impressive and powerful is the fact that it ‘allows’ all the instruments to shine through. One can hear some pummeling blast-beats mixed with some lighter, and more melancholic lamentations. The vocals are primarily a tortured and visceral male shrieks, again perfectly complemented by the occasional, ethereal appearance of clear female vocals. Then we get to hear the guitars; performed by guitarists Thomas Deffrasnes and Julian Baquero, where the dual guitars shape the entire dynamic and structural flow of the album, by building this cold, winding and immersive post-black metal atmosphere. Finally we can hear the bass (performed by Clément Joly) playing an essential structural and atmospheric role on Catabase.

The stand-out track, in my opinion, is “Penitent” (watch the official video below), serving as the thematic and emotional centerpiece of the album. It opens with an old-school, abrasive black metal assault, before pivoting into unexpected, soothing clean vocals that contrast beautifully against rapid-fire guitar leads and the accompanied delicate drumming.

The album cover art for Catabase was created by the artist Came: Roy de Rat, where the visual direction heavily ties into the band’s core themes of historical coal mining industry and structural claustrophobia.

Galibot will also be hitting the road to offer a cavernous live experience of fire and ashes, so make sure to catch them live on a venue near by you. Meanwhile, for further info on Catabase visit label’ bandcamp.