Galibot – Euch’Mau Noir Bis

Galibot is a melodic black metal act from northern France, which according to the band itself is a ‘…black metal inspired by the mining history of our city, Wallers-Arenberg’. Line-up of the band (originally a studio-based project initiated in 2023!) is comprised of; Diffamie / Thomas Deffrasnes (vocals), Thomas Deffrasnes (guitar), Clément Joly (bass), Julien Baquero (guitars) and Robin G. (drums). Euch’Mau Noir Bis (trans. The Black Devil), released through Les Acteurs De L’Ombre Productions, is a refined and improved alternative version of their 2024 debut.

Euch’Mau Noir Bis consists of eight anthemic songs where the quintet reexplores the imagery of the North, a land of dark legends and human tragedy. It’s giving it an unique, authentic, and ‘rural’ identity. Musical style on this album is an intimidating, strong, dark and grooving black metal elements that evoke the oppressive and claustrophobic atmosphere of coal mines. The vocals are mostly screaming, desperate and authentic, the guitars are buzzing & fnatic with heavy rhythm sections, the bass is providing a thick foundation enhancing the grim, industrial, and raw texture of the music, and finally the drums which are driving, intense and often with a chaotic rhythmic backdrops.

Another interesting feature of this eight-tracker (duration of 30 minutes) opus is the closing track named “Schlamms” – as this particular track originates from their 2022 Wallers​-​Arenberg demo, but this time re-composed and re-recorded to serve as a bridge between their raw past and current, more mature and ‘melodic’ style.

Euch’Mau Noir Bis was recorded, mixed and mastered at ‘Minotaure Studio‘ under the direction of band’s guitarist, Julien Baquero. It resulted in a thicker, more three-dimensional sound, enhancing the grit of the original six tracks without over-polishing them. In other words; the production allows each instrument to shine while still mantaining its initial raw and oppressive nature of their sound.

I think it’s important to emphasize that Euch’Mau Noir Bis is not a simple reissue, but the definitive evolution of a concept and a step forward for this black metal quintet from Wallers-Arenberg, France. It’s not the most innovative album out there, but it is a strongly rooted and perfect both in terms of the song-writing, lyrical content, production and the overall texture. The standout track here is the above-mentioned final one, “Schlamms” (New Version) as it features a variety of quite emotional riffs and a fairly strong vocal performance throughout.

Euch’Mau Noir Bis is highly recommended for worshippers of atmosphere heavy, regional folk-influenced black metal, and specifically the likes of Mgła, Dauþuz, Misþyrming, Aaskereia, Forteresse, Ungfell, Regarde Les Hommes Tomber etc.

For additional information on this piece of visceral and raw, yet melodic and atmospheric black metal visit their bandcamp, meanwhile listen to the track “Les nords” (trans. The north) below.