Atmospheric Black Metallers Enterré Vivant Release 黒獄 Kurogoku On Transcendance
Formed in 2019, Enterré Vivant is an atmospheric black metal entity like no other; a creative force where two disparate cultures meet and entwine, becoming something unique and remarkable. Rooted in the dynamic, enigmatic and irrepressible French black metal scene, yet steeped in the spiritual essence of Japan, infused with its history and philosophy, its topography and changing seasons, Enterré Vivant’s music marries violence and serenity in a transportative, hypnotic elixir. Their enthralling, atmospheric black metal knows no boundaries and is beholden to no laws. Their debut EP, Shiki, emerged in 2021, an invocation of the four seasons and was followed in 2023 by the full-length album Shigenso 四元素 and the intriguing and inventive Les Bonbons EP, before a second full-length album, Akuzaï 悪罪 was released in the spring of 2025. Now, with a new alliance with Transcendance in place, multi-instrumentalist Erroiak and vocalist/lyricist Sakrifiss are ready to unveil the third Enterré Vivant album, welcoming us into the dark hells of 黒獄 Kurogoku…
Each song that forms part of 黒獄 Kurogoku is dedicated to one of the six realms of reincarnation from Buddhist teaching, where all beings wander in an endless cycle of death and rebirth, their path dictated by their own actions and impulses. Yet rather than just a simple presentation of these evocative realms beyond death, 黒獄 Kurogoku also explores the thoughts and emotions that bind the individual soul to its particular eternal journey. Each song is both a grand envisaging of a realm and an intimate portrait of a state of mind.
The album begins in Gakidō 餓鬼道 (Realm of hungry ghosts), the guitars like shattered ice, the drums an elemental thunder and the vocals howling from the tattered, fraying edges of sanity. The immediate impact is glorious, exhilarating, but as it progresses the breadth and depth of Gakidō’s true power becomes ever more apparent. Layers upon layers are revealed, different instruments drifting like ghosts through the storm, the beautiful, ethereal vocals of Uguisu slipping between the shadows…there is a sense of illusion, of unreality, of notes that may or may not have truly been heard…and when it returns to the fore that initial ferocity remains breathtaking. Upon its arrival Ningendō 人間道 (Human realm) transforms the landscape with its measured, haunted pace, all the complexities of our world and its multitudinous characters expressed through the varied vocals. Immensely listenable yet constantly mysterious, here we begin to understand that the music of Enterré Vivant transcends its creators and the instruments used in its expression, seeming to take on an independent existence and it’s an incredible thing to witness. This is music to open yourself to, to relinquish control of the listening experience and let the songs themselves guide you through the realms they so vividly reflect. From the tension between joy and the knowledge of impermanence that shapes Tendō 天道 (Heavenly realm) to the simpler, raging majesty of Chikushōdō 畜生道 (Animal realm), the transcendent vocals amongst the flames and pain of Jigokudō 地獄道 (Hell realm) to the constant confounding of expectations that is Shuradō 修羅道 (Realm of the Asuras), there is so much to experience. For music and concept to be so intrinsically enmeshed is a rare and precious thing indeed.
Mixed and mastered by Déha at the Opus Magnum Studio (Angellore, Cult Of Erinyes, Nachtlieder etc) 黒獄 Kurogoku possesses the perfect sound for its vivacious, unfettered nature, allowing the sonic shades and shadows to dance in perfect synchronicity. For the cover artwork, different for both the CD and vinyl formats, Enterré Vivant sourced authentic photographs from the Meiji era – a time when Japan was caught between tradition and modernity – an echo of the impermanent states and continual transformation found within the album’s concept and music. Transcendance will release 黒獄 Kurogoku on October 2nd, on Double LP, CD and digital formats, with the vinyl including a bonus track, Ningendō (Version Vivant Enterré) where Erroiak and Sakrifiss exchange vocal roles. There is no easy list of bands to whom Enterré Vivant can be compared. Rather than musical peers they have kindred spirits – those who also stand alone. Follow the path less travelled and discover music of weight and worth beyond the average experience.
Line up:
Erroiak – Instruments / Vocals / Composition
Sakrifiss – Vocals / Lyrics / Concept
Uguisu – Guest Vocals
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
For fans of: Sigh | Summoning | Blood Of Kingu | Be Persecuted
Find out more about Enterré Vivant at IPR here
Further information:
https://www.facebook.com/enterrevivantblackmetal/
https://enterrevivant.bandcamp.com
https://transcendance-bm.bandcamp.com
https://www.instagram.com/transcendance.bm
https://www.facebook.com/transcendance.bm
