From the shadowed depths of France comes Sotherion‘s “Vermine“, a bold and unrelenting statement in black metal. Now, of course, we’re talking about the Paris-based musician BST (Aosoth, The Order of Apollyon), so the expectations are sky-high. And while such pressure can be a blessing and a curse, BST rises to the challenge, obliterating all preconceived notions with brutal precision. The results? An album steeped in dark atmosphere and relentless aggression, a hidden gem.
The cover artwork for “Vermine”
© Sotherion
Opening Darkness: “Shemyaza” and “La mort pour compagnon”
The album opens with “Shemyaza“, a short yet impactful piece. In just 39 seconds, it sets a foreboding tone with spectral soundscapes that seem to emerge from the shadows. This eerie prelude seamlessly flows into “La mort pour compagnon“, where the intensity immediately rises. Thick, grainy guitars intertwine with BST’s venomous vocals, creating a wall of sound that’s gritty and chaotic. There’s a subtle nod to second-wave black metal here, with riffs that carry an echo of Darkthrone‘s early work, but Sotherion’s sound is darker, thanks to BST’s death metal-infused edge.
Building Layers of Discomfort: “The Fallen” and “Word Made Death”
On “The Fallen“, BST crafts a track that’s as harsh as it is hypnotic. The guitar work is layered, weaving dissonant riffs that repeat and evolve, pulling you into a trance-like state. This repetition, paired with the rough, sandpaper-like production, gives the song an almost claustrophobic feel. “Word Made Death” follows, dialing up the aggression. This track leans into the album’s death metal influences, with heavier riffs and an unrelenting drum pattern that keeps the energy high. It’s as if the song’s soundscape is built to be a relentless force, each beat feeling like a blow.
Centerpiece Tracks: “Flame of Deliverance” and “Famished King”
“Flame of Deliverance” begins in an original, unsettling way. An alarm-like sound paired with a piercing shriek immediately grabs attention, a stark contrast to the preceding track’s steady chaos. This intro pulls you into a disorienting atmosphere, almost as if warning of what’s to come. The song quickly shifts gears, maintaining the brutal momentum set by the earlier tracks. The guitars are tight and aggressive, with a strong emphasis on rhythm, while the drums create a relentless, pounding foundation. BST’s vocals follow suit, unyielding and ferocious, matching the energy of the instrumental assault. There’s no softening here; the track continues along the same jagged trajectory as the rest of the album, staying true to the dark, intense sound that defines Following this is “Famished King“, where the pace becomes more unhinged, capturing the savagery and despair hinted at in the title. This track is a vortex of sound, with tremolo riffs and blast beats that feel chaotic yet controlled—a signature of BST’s experience with crafting layers within dissonance.
Deep Cuts: “Blood Prophet” and “Le havre meurtri”
“Blood Prophet” is relentless, filled with razor-sharp riffs that cut through the mix like claws. The song’s structure feels like a descent, each section becoming heavier and more intense. In contrast, “Le havre meurtri” is slower and brooding, with a mournful melody that cuts through the chaos. Here, BST taps into a darker, almost cinematic quality, as if the track itself were narrating a story of destruction and loss. The mid-tempo pacing allows the track to breathe, creating a crushing atmosphere that lingers long after the song ends.
Epic Closer: “Schwarmgeist” and “Shrine of the Chosen”
“Schwarmgeist” embodies the spirit of French black metal—harsh, defiant, and loaded with dissonance. Fans of Sotherion’s 2022 demo may recognize the themes here, but on “Vermine”, the sound is fuller and more complex. The track’s dense production emphasizes its relentless pace, with each riff spiraling into a frenzied climax. Finally, “Shrine of the Chosen” offers a fitting end. At nearly seven minutes, it’s the longest track on the album, allowing BST to explore various textures and tempos. The song has an almost ritualistic feel, with slow-building crescendos that burst into chaotic blasts, closing the album on a triumphant yet haunting note.
Final Words
“Vermine”, released on May 9, 2024 under the label World Terror Committee, is a brutal yet captivating work, steeped in French black metal’s raw, uncompromising essence. BST’s vision is clear and relentless, channeling years of experience into a debut that feels both familiar and innovative.
BST, the mastermind behind Sotherion
© Band’s archive/Personal collection
After being consumed by the dark, abrasive energy of “Vermine” you won’t want to miss the chance to witness it live. So yeah, if you ask me, I am eager to see this performance live at Underground for the Masses II (4-5 April 2025).
Tracklist
“Shemyaza” [00:39];
“La mort pour compagnon” [03:52];
“The Fallen” [03:51];
“Word Made Death” [03:58];
“Flame of Deliverance” [04:35];
“Famished King” [04:06];
“Blood Prophet” [04:37];
“Le havre meurtri” [05:11];
“Schwarmgeist” [05:23];
“Shrine of the Chosen” [06:57].
Where to Find Sotherion on Social Media?
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn4wBsHxcP0T5mvcF_s2Pqw;
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6lvKrNWrowr0LrlGvkboq9;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotherion;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sotherion.black.metal/.
