Review: Souillé – L’odeur du Mépris

Introduction

Souillé (French for contaminated/defiled) is an instrumental one man black metal band from Strasbourg, Grand Est. Formed in 2024 the band’s debut album was released earlier this month.

L’odeur du Mépris

The album’s title, translating to “ The Smell of Contempt” perfectly encapsulates its thematic essence. An unrelenting, yet emotional, exploration of disdain and darkness.

L’odeur du Mépris is rife with atmosphere. There are passages throughout the album that masterfully build a tension within the listener that breaks just at the right moment. Often changing from fleeting, almost mournful riffs, to down right aggressive and cold. From melancholy to melodic.

In the late 18th century Germany, there was an artistic and literary movement referred to as “ Sturm und Drang” meaning “storm and stress”. It emphasized individual subjectivity, intense emotions, and a rejection of enlightenment and rationalism.

Whilst listening to this album my mind couldn’t help but linger on this concept. The music itself Is precisely summarized within that phrase. Constantly hanging within a delicate balance of aggression and melody.

The production quality of L’odeur du Mépris is impressive. It perfectly encapsulates the rawness of black metal, yet offers a pristine clarity in instrumentation. Allowing one to fully appreciate the layers of emotion delicately woven into the tracks.

The album contains so many well crafted riffs. From the opening track we are invited into a forlorn atmosphere that breaks open into a wave of melody in its last minute, just to be pushed back into the undertows of despair again. Track after track. Like being tossed about in the ocean.

When trying to pick out my favorite tracks or riffs from this album it’s difficult because it just flows so well between songs. The entire album is extraordinarily well written. This is one that I implore you to listen to from start to finish and take it all in as a whole. The guitar work alone on the album is insanely fucking good. It’s rich with atmosphere and the tone and clarity of the production are impeccable.

Conclusion

This one took me a few listens to fully appreciate what it has to offer. There is so much to take in musically on the album that it almost demands a re-listen. That being said, it’s a compelling debut, and a worthy entrance into the halls of French black metal.

L’odeur du Mépris is perfect in the way that it toys with the listener’s emotions and expectations. It’s an impressive show of musicianship and songwriting. Masterfully crafted by an obviously capable musician.

BMZ Rating: 9 out of 10

Support them here:  https://souille.bandcamp.com/album/lodeur-du-m-pris

Your thoughts on Grave Circles

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this album! You can rate it right here on this page, share your opinion 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 have a look at our Instagram @blackmetal.zine for concert photos and more!