Occult doom metal. Sludge metal.
A band from France stepping once more into the shadows.
Who are they now, years after their first record?
What changed between the debut and this new descent?
And why does this album feel heavier, darker, almost suffocating?
The answer lies with Azken Auzi and their second full-length, “Infernua”, released through Argonauta Records on 6 March 2026.
Some years passed since the self-titled debut. The group clearly used that time well. Live performances sharpened their instincts, rehearsals refined their sound, and the result is an album that pushes their vision further into oppressive territory. The atmospheric sludge of the debut still lingers here and there, but “Infernua” prefers weight, density, and deliberate heaviness.
Azken Auzi
© The band’s archive
A Sound That Presses Down
The opening track, “Deep Hell”, makes the transformation immediately apparent. Instead of surrounding the listener with atmosphere, the band wanted to press downward with thick, grinding riffs that unfold slowly and deliberately. The guitars feel heavier than before, the pacing more patient, almost ritualistic, as if each movement of the music has been carefully measured.
As the record unfolds, its structure reveals careful attention to pacing. Tracks such as “SK” and “Black Mass” deepen the album’s hypnotic character, allowing the rhythm section to settle into slow, grinding grooves that doom listeners will recognise instantly. These compositions rely on repetition and tension rather than speed, gradually building an atmosphere that becomes more oppressive with each passing minute.
Among the more striking moments stands “See You Next Tuesday”. Despite its almost ironic title, the song delivers one of the album’s bleakest passages. It begins with a crawling riff that drags itself forward like a wounded creature, while the vocals grow harsher and more anguished. The track demonstrates the band’s ability to maintain intensity without resorting to constant escalation, proving that patience can often create a more powerful impact than aggression alone.
Another highlight appears with “Reptilian”, which introduces guest musician Nico Voidozer. The track begins with an unusual sense of mystery, building tension slowly before descending into a crushing doom passage that feels almost ceremonial in its heaviness. The guest appearance adds an extra layer of depth, transforming the song into one of the album’s most memorable moments.
The final track, “From Hell”, offers one of the album’s most unexpected turns. Ending a record rooted so deeply in oppressive heaviness is never easy, yet the band approached the challenge with surprising subtlety.
Instead of escalating toward an even heavier finale, the composition gradually introduces atmospheric elements that soften the sonic landscape. The heaviness remains present, but it shares space with fragile melodic textures that suggest something almost hopeful.
Not triumph, certainly.
But perhaps the distant memory of light.
This closing moment provides an emotional contrast that enriches the entire listening experience. After the suffocating weight of the earlier tracks, the atmospheric conclusion feels like stepping briefly out of the abyss, even if the darkness still lingers nearby.
Final Words
What becomes increasingly clear throughout these compositions is the band’s growing confidence. Azken Auzi no longer experiment cautiously with their sound; instead, they move through these dark territories with conviction, fully aware of the atmosphere they wish to create.
Rather than chasing trends or imitating their influences, the group refined a voice that feels personal and mature. The album balances crushing riffs with moments of introspection, allowing the music to breathe without sacrificing its overwhelming weight.
Certainly a record worth seeking out.
The Songs
“Deep Hell” [07:53];
“SK” [05:49];
“Black Mass” [06:14];
“See You Next Tuesday” [06:45];
“Reptilian” [06:51];
“From Hell” [05:18].
Find Azken Auzi!
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFUrI6CimAF_GNwcqHbKerw;
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0f92PzGPzlFeUZ0ONt00aH;
Bandcamp: https://azkenauzi.bandcamp.com/music;
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azkenauzi;
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azkenauzi/.
