Hexekration Rites – Misanthropic Path of Carnal Deliverance

French black metal is a historically significant genre, particularly from the mid-90s to early 2000s with the amount of black metal bands emerging from France rapidly and progressively increased. Hexekration Rites is not that old (active since 2018), but this trio is continuing the path laid forward by its predecessors on French black/death metal scene. The line-up is; H.R. Arkyon (bass & lead vocals), C.S. (guitars) and Aryth (drums).

Misanthropic Path of Carnal Deliverance is actually this Parisian trio’s debut full-length, a 44-minutes long record where they play a dark and brutal blend of traditional French black & death metal. This nine-tracker record is one hell of a ride from the very first second where all songs are imbued with suffocating intensity and delivered with a venomous lethality. It’s an incredibly breathtaking barrage on the ears and a perfect mix of black and death metal.

The lyrical concept outlines a cycle of ‘sin, revelation, and condemnation’, presented as a spiritual path to immortality that requires inner sacrifice and a rejection of the mortal human condition. The production is clear without being antiseptic, where the powerful sound benefits the music. Thus, one can clearly hear the incredibly thick and thight drum sound, masmerizing guitar work with some frantic shredding, and the perfect vocals – makes this a remarkable album, especially having in mind this is only their debut full-length offering. The surrounding atmosphere is dark, bleak & liturgical, yet malevolent and abrasive. I feel as this is a powerful and unique fusion of the two (sub)genres where they successfully combine the atmospheric depth of black metal with the raw brutality of death metal to create a uniquely dark and violent soundscape. Thanks to some interesting twists Misanthropic Path of Carnal Deliverance is not a monotonous or repetitive release, but rather a pleasant and listenable collection of black/death tunes with some unpredictable and distinguishable parts.

In conclusion; despite of the apparent brutality, a knack for catchiness and melody is always evident on Misanthropic Path of Carnal Deliverance. It’s a ‘French delight’ and an absolutely excellently crafted work! I will without doubt be keeping an eye on this band for future releases. Notably fans of bands such as Aberration, Peste Noire, Archgoat, Behemoth, Aosoth, Gorod, Grave Miasma, Nocturnal Depression, Hate Forest etc. need to pay attention. Meanwhile, listen to the whole release below, and read more on this particular debut full-length on Bandcamp here.