Angellore – Nocturnes

Angellore
Nocturnes
Label: Ardua Music
Out: 15^th May 2026
Playing time: 55:12

For nearly twenty years Avignon’s Angellore have ensorcelled and delighted fans and critics alike with their unique blend of gothic doom, folkloric influence, drama, storytelling and grand emotion.

But let’s get down to facts. Angellore hail from Avignon (in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of south-eastern France) and were formed in 2007. Guitarist Rosarius (Vincent Tassy) and keyboardist Walran (François Blanc) have been with the band since its founding. Drummer Ronnie has also been with the band since 2009. Bassist Celin (Florent Castellani) and singer Lucia only joined Angellore in 2016, but even that was ten years ago. An impressive consistency in terms of line-up. The press release describes their sound as Gothic Doom Metal. Following the demo ‘Ambrosia’, two EPs and another demo, their debut album “Errances” was released in 2012. Two further albums were released up to 2020. Now, with “Nocturnes”, their fourth studio album is complete.

‘Falling Birds’ begins with gentle keyboards. Then the drums, guitar and bass kick in with power yet remain just as gentle. As Lucia’s ethereal vocals take centre stage, the instrumentation is initially scaled back significantly. The acoustic guitars are later amplified by their electronic counterparts. Harsh growls provide the contrast. So, essentially, the typical ‘Beauty and the Beasts’ scenario. Well, sort of, because the male vocalists later sing with a dark yet clear voice. At almost eight minutes long, ‘Black Sun River’ is the shortest track on the album. It begins with strings and heavy drumming. After a contemplative opening, the doom territory is almost abandoned. It becomes faster and more optimistic. It’s more of a Dark Metal track, a fact underscored by the dark timbre of the vocals. Lucia’s voice also sounds more powerful yet remains enchanting. It’s accompanied by electric piano sounds. It wouldn’t be complete without some growls either. ‘Forsaken Fairytale’ is introduced by a flute melody, strings and acoustic guitars. Even though the rhythm section joins in more forcefully later on, strings and acoustic guitars continue to dominate at first. Once again, Ludia captivates with her voice, accompanied by heavy yet subtle riffs and fairly fast drumming (bass drum). The dark male voices underscore the melancholic mood. Later, a sacral organ can be heard, accompanied by choruses and heavy riffs. And there they are again – the abysmally evil growls. But there are also plenty of tranquil sections. Choruses also characterise the opening of “Martyrium”. Later, the “ahahah” choruses are underpinned by fast guitar riffs. After the Doom, the vocals and melody return to Dark Metal. And here, the melodies are played at a decidedly faster pace. The growls adapt to this as well. However, Lucia’s enchanting vocals repeatedly provide a moment of respite. ‘A Dormant Stream’ follows as the closing track, the longest on the album. The vocals are breathed in high notes and accompanied by acoustic guitars. But it doesn’t stay that way. After the flute, oboe and cello have provided beautiful melodies, the double bass kicks in. However, this isn’t enough to really pick up the tempo. The quiet passages continue to dominate.

The compositions on ‘Nocturnes’ are extremely multi-layered. Each individual song builds up a wide arc of intensity. With three singers, the vocals are effectively ‘five-part’, featuring seductive female vocals that blend perfectly with the various growls and dark male vocal tones. This ensures plenty of variety and powerful emotion on the album. Angellore have created a unique sonic experience here.

Angellore – Black Sun River: https://youtu.be/N5dEe7xgCBk?si=UjMOFeS4ZYQikZbi

Lineup:

Lucia – Vocals (female)
Rosarius – Clean- and Harsh Vocals, Electric and Acoustic Guitars, Synths, Grand Piano
Walran – Harsh and Clean Vocals, Synths, Grand Piano
Celin – Bass, Additional Guitars, EBow, Backing Extreme Vocals
Ronnie – Drums, Percussions

Guests:

Ségolène Perraud – Flute on “Falling Birds”, “Forsaken Fairytale” and “A Dormant Stream”
Dirk Goossens – Bass clarinet on “Falling Birds”
Raphaël Verguin – Cello on “Forsaken Fairytale” and “A Dormant Stream”
Gunnar Ben – Oboe on “Falling Birds” and “A Dormant Stream”

Track list:

• Falling Birds
• Black Sun River
• Forsaken Fairytale
• Martyrium
• A Dormant Stream