Les Enfants De Dagon – De Profundis Review

Immediately after the listen hits the play button, you will feel like you have been transported to another world. The opening track, The Shadows Over Innsmouth, immerses you in a dark and eerie atmosphere with haunting narrations, while angelic vocals, fierce growls, and blackened snarls create a perfect contrast. The mid-tempo instrumental score sets the tone and mood for what’s to come, making you feel like you’re on the edge of your seat, eagerly waiting for the next track.

One continues their dark journey with the second track, Haunted Relic, and the remaining eight pieces take the listener on a dark concept journey inspired by H.P. Lovecraft‘s novel around the Sea Deity (Myths of Cthulhu). The story of this first album takes place in the 1920s; the main character is Pierre Duval, a catholic priest born from his French mother and his American father. Feeling that he didn’t belong in France, he decided to exile in the USA with the help of the Catholic community, which offered him the pastoral charge of the port city of Innsmouth. Once installed, he discovers several strange things happening in the city, especially people secretly praying for a strong divinity! He wants to learn more about this secret society called the Esoteric Order of Dagon…

As the songs progress, we learn more about the characters of the story and the religious behaviours of Innsmouth folks.

As the listener delves deeper into the band’s music, the music takes the listener on a haunting journey filled with a dark, unsettling atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression. Rewarding the listener’s ears with a complex and intricate sound that incorporates various elements such as exquisite gothic symphonic/orchestral black metal elements, similar to the works of Cradle Of Filth. However, it also features Lovecraftian Symphonic death metal, as seen in the music of Septicflesh, as well as dark neoclassical music from French bands Elend and atmospheric Gothic music from Dark Sanctuary. Even some Enchanting The Darkness of doom metal, avant-garde and brutal death metal can be found within the musical spectrum.

At the same time, each track seamlessly transitions between moments of delicate tenderness, hauntingly dark and enchantingly, beautiful and intense aggression, creating this intense and ominous fruit of art that is both haunting and captivating. The band’s music is a genuine-forbidden fruit of art that takes listeners on a haunting journey filled with a dark, unsettling atmosphere that will leave a lasting impression.

The musical and vocal arrangement of this album is truly exceptional. The guitar work utilizes nervous and aggressive riffage that gives the tracks an electrifying energy. The rhythmic breaks are dark and foreboding, creating suspense and anticipation in the listener. The drum work is precise and varied, with fills, strikes, and beats that keep the tempo dynamic and engaging; there are moments of symphonic/orchestral inserts, cello, and piano/keyboard work promptly.

The vocals are equally impressive, showcasing a range of styles and emotions with moments of haunting vocals, narration, rumbling voices, and outstanding female singing, utilizing death growls and black metal snarls that are full of raw power. In contrast, the female operatic/soprano vocals are hauntingly beautiful.
De Profundis is a genuine fruit of art, exhibiting unparalleled artistry. The ten songs in the album are exceptional product and sound quality, with every note and tone perfectly balanced and polished. Each band member showcases their Devilmanship with the music, creating a harmonious and cohesive sound. The level of synchronization between the band members is truly remarkable, as they seamlessly blend their styles and talents.

Notably, each song is distinct in its own right and stands out without overpowering any other song on the album. Overall, De Profundis is a remarkable fruit of art that deserves all the acclaim it has received. To extend the album’s story, the band has produced an original novel written in French, which takes place after the album’s end. We follow a young inspector, M. Howard, investigating the death of a young lady and a missing priest in Innsmouth. The book is available on Les Enfants de Dagon‘s Bandcamp page.

The album comes to an end with the last song, Fallen Angel. We want to give a shoutout to Le Enfants De Dagon for letting us review their De Profundis album. Now, we’re going to wrap it up by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.