A/Oratos – Ecclesia Gnostica

Written by on 27-01-2024 at 09:06.

You should look up the band photo and background of this French band, A/Oratos. It immediately becomes clear that this collective has buried itself in a unique and simultaneously challenging theme. The gentlemen gathered around band leader Wilhelm are attempting to cross the border between materialism and spirituality. They see there’s little to no room for the latter in today’s society. Through knowledge they aim to make Visible a higher way of Being, and at the same the Invisible. That’s precisely what the band name, A/Oratos, from Greek, means.

Following their initial EP in 2019, they release Ecclesia Gnostica via the French label Les Acteurs De L’Ombre. This label also put out ò θεός ò βασιλεύς by Griffon in 2020, a band in which some members of A/Oratos are involved. But where do these critical reflections on the Visible and the Invisible come from for us as humans in this world? The gentlemen get this from very ancient, rather esoteric teachings or wisdom, such as Kabbalah, Hermeticism, and others that I have little knowledge of.

Understanding the above, you must realize that this album won’t be a ready-to-consume, dry chunk of melodic black metal that you’ll have to force down. It’s likely to be quite profound. It will present different layers that you’ll have to navigate through with the knowledge you’ve acquired so far.

However, the initial bars of Le Hiérophante don’t seem to portray this. It sounds overwhelming but not overloaded with hooks, edges, points, and protrusions. Instead, there are well-thought-out, driving melodic parts in a rather typical French style. Amidst this, there’s a satisfyingly rumbling bass and a mega-tight drumline. But keep up, because getting carried away by a single instrument will make you lose track. What’s consistent, though, is that the rhythm remains largely the same in this first track.

Particularly impressive is the inclusion of choir-like and declamatory vocals, among others in Daath. You can also take your time to delve into volumes of books with the help of the contemplative beginning of Deuteros. What a magnificent melody and blastbeat in Disciplina Arcani! Also, listen to that wandering bass! The double bass part in the middle part of Ô Rois Des Eons sounds thunderous and resonant.

This A/Oratos convinces! Show me the Visible in a different way, reveal to me how to discover the Invisible! Ecclesia Gnostica is a monumental melodic black metal album! It’s pure material for year-end lists! Get your hands on this! And? Physically, of course, something I’ll keep emphasizing even in 2024.

Score:

95/100

Label:

Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions, 2024

Tracklisting:

  1. Le Hiérophante
  2. Daath
  3. Deuteros
  4. Disciplina Arcani
  5. Ô Rois Des Eons
  6. De La Gnosse Eternelle
  7. Le Septième Sceau

Line-up:

  • Aharon – Vocals
  • Wilhelm – Guitars
  • Léo – Bass
  • Kampen – Drums

Links: