Malhkebre – B.A.M.N.

There’re a handfull of sincere black metal bands for whom this genre is not simply music, but also a religious experience. Among them, French metal quartet Malhkebre needs no further introduction. Twenty-two years into its formation (the band’s leader/vocalist Eklezjas’Tik Berzerk, and the drummer Shamaanik B. are only two members remaining from the previous line-up!) this spiritual and ritualistic four-piece is now ready with their third full length album, B.A.M.N.

B.A.M.N. follows their 2014 debut Revelation and a sophomore 2019 album titled Satanic Resistance. In between these releases, Malhkebre awakened once again with a casette in 2023, followed by an EP in 2025. With each new release guys from Malhkebre unveil new facet of the band’s music, an evolution towards a musical maturity embodied at the core of B.A.M.N.

As stated above, B.A.M.N. is their 2026 third full-length released on Battlesk’rs Productions. It consists of seven lengthy tracks that are heavier, darker, more ritualistic and declamatory than the case was with their previous releases. One can safely say that B.A.M.N. marks a return to the roots focusing on a more traditional yet slow and sludge-laden black metal sound. Furthermore, B.A.M.N. is less experimental than its predecessor, while it still continues to explore themes of profound darkness and sonic oppression on this release.

I like the songwriting and the structure of the songs, combining long and heavy tracks with quick and biting, dissonant and old-school riffs. B.A.M.N. also features also sick and twisted vocals – a mix of screams and chanted, ritualistic invocations, weighty and punchy bass lines, and finally the drumming that shifts away from the frantic, hyper-dissonant blasting toward a slow, broken, and deeply ritualistic rhythmic style.

There´re three standout tracks for me, namely “You Failed” (featuring Meyhnach of Mütiilation) due to its violent nature and for its Mayhem-inspired riffing. Next great song is “To Those Who Forged Us” (watch video below), as this particular track serves as a centerpiece of the album’s thematic shift, getting heavier, darker and more ritualistic. Finally, the closing track named “There Are No Safe Spaces” which is the most atmospheric track, reminiscent of their earlier work.

Listening to B.A.M.N. three times now, I feel as it has this sludgy and highly atmospheric feel, often alternating between slow, droning, and faster and more chaotic passages. Speaking of an ‘ atmospheric feel’, the sound and the atmosphere feels ritualistic, ominous, bleak and oppressive. Meanwhile, the single disadvantage of this release is the AI-generated artwork, which in my opinion doesn’t fully match the atmospheric and bleak nature of their music.

The dark flame of Malhkebre is once again drawing to ‘Its Name the souls of those who will hear Its call’. Highly recommended to those looking for a dark and oppressive sound, but also the worshippers of slowed-down, riatualistic and sludge-laden black metal, and the likes of Hell Militia, Mortuus, Mayhem, Sektarism, Aosoth etc. Experience the new album at bandcamp and facebook.