The hauntingly captivating and, at times, profoundly chilling universe crafted by H.P. Lovecraft continues to be an endless source of inspiration for countless artists, fueling their imaginations and igniting deeper explorations into the vast, unfathomable unknown. Among those who have embraced the enigmatic Cthulhu Mythos is the French post-black metal formation THE GREAT OLD ONES, a band celebrated for their ability to channel Lovecraft’s cosmic horror into mesmerizing soundscapes. With their latest opus, “Kadath”, they embark on an ambitious journey into uncharted dimensions of the mind of the American master of horror, weaving an intricate tapestry of terror and grandeur that beckons listeners into the heart of the abyss.
In Lovecraft’s works, Kadath is a mountain crowned with an onyx castle and the dwelling place of the Earth’s dream-gods, also known as the “Great Old Ones.” This time, it is no longer about the depths of the ocean but about “The Dreamlands,” described as lying deeper than space, matter, and time—a “limitless vacua beyond all thought and entity.”
With that said, the band ventures boldly into uncharted creative territory with their upcoming fifth full-length album, expanding their portrayal of cosmic horror and the omnipotence of the Great Old Ones to an even broader, more immersive scope. From the first note to the last, the album chronicles the odyssey of Randolph Carter, the enigmatic protagonist, as he pursues the elusive and fabled city that endlessly haunts his dreams. This profound work masterfully conveys his longing and unwavering determination, encapsulating the perilous journey he undertakes through a twilight realm fraught with fickle gods and monstrous entities. Each composition resonates with the dread and majesty of Lovecraft’s universe, drawing the listener ever deeper into the protagonist’s desperate quest for enlightenment amid the shadows of the incomprehensible.
A total of seven extended tracks and one brief interlude serve as distinct chapters in the band’s creative chaos. Over the course of an hour and twelve minutes, we witness a complete immersion into the depths of The Dreamlands—a journey in search of Ulthar, Koth, Leng, Ngranek… and every other silent mystery awaiting its revelation.
Right from the eleven-minute opening track, “Me, The Dreamer,” THE GREAT OLD ONES immerse the listener in their signature charged and tense fury, skillfully infused with an overwhelming sense of grandeur and ecstasy. The intricate interplay of multi-layered guitar and bass lines creates a cosmic dreamscape—dragging at times, as if echoing the pull of a celestial vortex. These instrumental elements entwine seamlessly with the haunting vocals, which occasionally push beyond their limits, adding a raw and ethereal edge to the composition. The result is a dynamic melody, brimming with a magical, ever-evolving energy that captivates the ear. Among the standout moments are the progressive and complex bass lines, which anchor the cosmic guitar riffs stretching endlessly above them, crafting a mesmerizing and hypnotic atmosphere.
“Me, the dreamer, having traveled the dreamlands
Possessor of the silver key and knowledge
Traveler of the underworld
Traveler of ethereal shores
I’m different, not from this world
Different from this cursed society
which prevents men from dreaming”
With each subsequent track, the album grows increasingly raw. In “Under the Sign of Koth,” a true storm of rapid riffs and drums swirls, erupting into the explosive vocals of Benjamin Guerry. The track doesn’t shy away from progressive elements and melodies, as well as moments of calm and climactic peaks, which clearly play an essential role in Kadath‘s arsenal.
The album also features two instrumental tracks: the interlude “The Gathering” and the monolithic “Leng”— a piece that leads to cosmic mirages, filled with progressions and guitar solos. Leng is a fictional location created by H. P. Lovecraft—a place where different realities converge, which might explain why its precise location remains elusive. The song captures its essence masterfully. And after wandering through Leng—a destination both unreachable and enigmatic—The Great Old Ones guide you to the final “Astral Void (End of the Dream),” where the tense conclusion of this immersive journey unfolds.
As tradition goes, the vinyl and box set editions will include an additional bonus track. “Second Rendez-Vous” is a massive instrumental piece that opens with ethereal atmospheres and mind-entwining riffs, evolving into a cosmic odyssey adorned with intriguing shoegaze and post-black metal elements.
Kadath is an album that invites the listener to transcend the earthly plane, guiding them into a meditative state where they drift through realms unknown, encountering the unfathomable depths of the cosmos. With the typical rawness, complexity, and mysterious energy of The Great Old Ones, the album is a work of art crafted for true connoisseurs of the genre—an orthodox, unconventional atmospheric black metal creation filled with captivating ecstatic melodies, moments of chaos and unease, intertwined with visceral cosmic horror, alternating with the beauty of timelessness of the vastness of the cosmic depths.
Album: “Kadath”
Band: The Great Old Ones
Country: France
Release Date: January 24th, 2025
Label: Season of Mist
Pre-order: https://orcd.co/tgookadath.
Mother of THE VOID.
Underground music is the ultimate weapon against mediocrity.
