Angellore Resurrects Gothic Doom with 'Nocturnes'

After nearly 20 years of lurking in the shadows of the metal scene, French gothic doom champions Angellore are finally stepping into the light with their latest offering, 'Nocturnes'. While France may not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of metal, the annual Hellfest serves as a testament to the lurking power beneath. With roots embedded in the melancholic soils of the '90s, Angellore has cultivated a dedicated cult following. Their latest work shatters a six-year silence, showcasing not just growth, but a band that has truly become a family.

At the heart of Angellore, we find the creative duo of Walran and guitarist Rosarius, whose collaboration has drawn in a loyal circle of musicians over the years. With 'Nocturnes', they’ve officially welcomed longtime female vocalist and bassist Celin into the fold, a move that solidifies the band's evolution. “This album feels like a real band effort,” Walran admits, highlighting the deep-rooted connections that tie the members together. Celin, who was a fan of Angellore long before joining, even designed the band's logo, proving that passion runs deep.

Earlier this year, the band teased fans with the single “Falling Birds”, a track that encapsulates the haunting atmosphere reminiscent of Theatre of Tragedy. It’s a reminder that this kind of metal is becoming increasingly rare. “We miss this kind of music as well,” Walran reflects. “We were born too late, as many musicians say. We weren’t there for the heyday of gothic doom, but we fell in love with it afterwards. There aren’t many bands doing it like us anymore.” It's this longing for the past that fuels their creativity, as they strive to offer their unique vision of a genre they adore.

The songwriting dynamic between Walran and Rosarius is electric, fostering an environment where creativity flows, albeit with some playful disagreements. The inception of “Falling Birds” is a testament to this process, born from late-night jam sessions with just a keyboard and a guitar. “It felt old school,” Walran recalls, chuckling at the memory of Rosarius' evolving ideas. “It was a challenge not to repeat ourselves after three albums, but it also pushed us to discover new sounds.”

While the duo lays down the melodic foundations, the contributions from drummer Ronnie and Celin add layers of depth to their sound. Ronnie’s knack for song structure and Celin’s keen ear for production ensure that each track is finely tuned. Walran plays the role of the pragmatic gatekeeper, balancing Rosarius' adventurous spirit with the need to maintain their gothic essence. “It has to remain Angellore,” he asserts, hinting at the delicate balance between innovation and tradition.