Le Dernier Crépuscule (2016) - Chthe'ilist

 

Le Dernier Crépuscule by Chthe'ilist is a 2016 release that firmly establishes the Canadian band as a force in the death metal underground. Drawing heavily from the classic, cavernous death metal sound of acts like Demilich and Timeghoul, the album layers its brutal assault with eerie, otherworldly atmospheres and an unparalleled attention to detail. Its Lovecraftian themes and labyrinthine compositions make it an immersive experience for listeners who crave intricate, chilling music.

Tracklist:

1. Introduction: Le Dernier Crépuscule
2. Into the Vaults of Ingurgitating Obscurity
3. Voidspawn
4. Scriptures of the Typhlodians
5. The Voices from Beneath the Well
6. Vecoiitn’aphnaat’smaala
7. Tales of the Majora Mythos Part I

At nearly 50 minutes, Le Dernier Crépuscule feels like a journey through ancient, alien ruins. The album opens with the foreboding introduction, Le Dernier Crépuscule, setting an ominous tone with its dark ambiance. This bleeds seamlessly into Into the Vaults of Ingurgitating Obscurity, which showcases Chthe’ilist’s knack for melding guttural growls, spiraling riffs, and a disorienting sense of melody.

Tracks like Voidspawn and Scriptures of the Typhlodians embody the album’s uncanny ability to weave chaotic brutality with haunting atmospheres. The highlight, Vecoiitn’aphnaat’smaala, spans over nine minutes, shifting through eerie clean guitar passages, crushing riffs, and labyrinthine progressions.

The closing track, Tales of the Majora Mythos Part I, caps the album with a dynamic and theatrical composition. Its narrative structure pulls listeners deeper into the otherworldly lore that defines Chthe’ilist’s aesthetic, leaving a lasting impression.

Le Dernier Crépuscule is an album I find myself revisiting for its sheer depth and creativity. Tracks like Voidspawn and Vecoiitn’aphnaat’smaala stand out for their balance of technicality and atmosphere. The vocals, reminiscent of the guttural oddities of Demilich, add an alien character to the music that perfectly complements the thematic content.

This album feels like an ode to the spirit of 90s death metal while simultaneously pushing the genre forward. It’s an essential listen for anyone who enjoys the darker, more experimental corners of death metal, and it solidifies Chthe’ilist as one of the modern scene’s most exciting acts.