Vorkreist - Sigil Whore Christ (Agonia Records)

In a recent review of the latest Secrets Of The Moon album, Seven Bells, we noted the absence of bassist LSK, better known for her work in both Antaeus and Hell Militia. It might just be for the fact that she has been hard at work on the latest Vorkreist album, Sigil Whore Christ. In fact, though there is not much known about the band itself, due to a lack of media coverage, Vorkreist may just actually be LSK's baby, considering that it seems she has been the only consistent member over the years. Sigil Whore Christ is Vorkreist's fourth full length, and though it is never a pleasant experience having members come and go, it seems that with ths new album, LSK has at least found a more stable line up.  Well, enough members to actually cover all the basic required instruments at least. 

Ther are many doubters who would be happy to deride the French for not being able to do justice to the black metal genre as a whole, and though France does seem to lack consistency in regards to its bands, when it comes to music painted black, there have many bands that have, in point of fact, shined onto the international stage, from the blackened shoegaze of Alcest and Les Discrets, and the avant-gardism of Amesoeurs and Blut Aus Nord, right through to the like of Anorexia Nervosa, Arkon Infaustus and Deathspell Omega. Yes, contrary to belief, the French have quite a diverse black metal scene, with a number of quality acts, with no doubt Vorkreist soon to join it. 

Like most bands these days, we can't pretend that Vorkreist are actually doing anything entirely new, but what they do do, they do well. And like most of their French brethren, harsh black metal is the order of the day, and to this extent, they are sure not to disappoint fans, old or new alike. Vorkriest will probalby never break new ground, but for those who don't care for such conformist ideas, this should appeal to at least whet the appetite.