Review: Archvile King (2026)
Archvile King’s Aux Heures Désespérées (9/10). This French Atmospheric Black Metal opus is a majestic exploration of medieval fantasy, decay, and nihilism. Read more!
Band: Archvile King
Album: Aux Heures Désespérées
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Country: France
Label: Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions
Released: January 23, 2026
Introduction:
In the fertile soil of the French black metal underground, few entities have cultivated a mythos as grimly evocative as Archvile King. Since its inception in Nantes by the multi-instrumentalist Baurus, the project has undergone a profound metamorphosis. What began as a primitive, thrash-inflected homage to digital carnage has ascended into a sophisticated exploration of medieval fantasy and nihilism. With the release of his latest opus, Aux Heures Désespérées, Baurus transcends the genre’s tropes, positioning himself not merely as a musician, but as a chronicler of a decaying, high-fantasy civilization. This album marks the zenith of a trilogy dedicated to the inevitable triumph of rot over righteousness.
Track Listing:
- Riposte
- Le Chant Des Braves
- L'excuse
- Le Carneval Du Roi Des Vers
- Sepulture
- Aux Heures Desesperees
- A Ces Batailles Abandonnees
- ...Et Aux Hommes Miserables
The Album:
Aux Heures Désespérées functions as a sonic illumination of a manuscript long lost to time. It is a concept piece that abandons the frenetic pace of modern life for the tragedy of a kingdom under siege by the “Roi des Vers” (The Worm King). From the opening movements of “Riposte,” it is clear that the project has embraced a more grandiloquent and melodic architecture. The composition utilizes soaring, neoclassical lead guitars that act as a counterpoint to the dissonant, iron-on-shield percussion.
The centerpiece of the record, “Le Carneval du Roi des Vers,” is a masterclass in atmospheric tension. Here, Baurus explores the juxtaposition of beauty and grotesque horror; the melody lines evoke a sense of medieval nobility, while the vocal delivery, a harrowing, cavernous rasp. reminds the listener of the filth beneath the throne. The lore is not merely lyrical; it is woven into the very timbre of the instruments. The production avoids the sterile clarity of contemporary metal, opting instead for a cold, liminal space that feels like a stone cathedral at dusk.
Tracks such as “L’Excusé” demonstrate a keen understanding of rhythmic fatality, where the mid-tempo gallop suggests the relentless march of an undead legion. This is black metal as a memento mori, a sophisticated reminder that all empires, regardless of their height, are destined for the vermin's embrace. The album concludes with “…Et aux hommes misérables,” a funeral dirge that utilizes somber textures to signal the total collapse of the human spirit, leaving only the silence of the grave.
Conclusion:
Aux Heures Désespérées is a towering achievement that cements Archvile King’s legacy within the pantheon of French black metal. By trading the digital grit of his early work for a majestic, medieval gloom, Baurus has crafted an immersive experience that is as intellectually rewarding as it is sonically devastating. It is a rare record that manages to feel both ancient and innovative, capturing the precise moment where chivalry dies and the maggots begin their feast.
BMZ Rating: 9/10
Your thoughts on this review.
We love to hear your opinion about this album. You can do so by becoming a member and commenting on this post.
Or share your opinion and thoughts on our social media channels, or join the discussion on our Discord—where we talk about all things black metal. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page, Black Metal Zine, for updates on our latest articles, and take a look at our Instagram @blackmetal.zine for concert photos and more!
