THE GREAT OLD ONES have always been known to craft intriguing narrative-based concept albums based on the works of revered 20th century horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. While not a new concept in the metal scene – The Great Old Ones does it ever so differently, never losing the thread throughout their decade-long discography.
On Kadath, the Great Old Ones dip even deeper into Lovecraft’s storied Dreamlands. New single “Under the Sign of Koth” sheds light on the next chapter of Randolph Carter’s journey into darkness. “Climbing the huge stone steps, seeing yellowish-red eyes, I’m running under, under the sign of Koth” vocalist Benjamin Guerry wails as the band tears through the very fabric that dreams are made of.
Watch the visualizer for “Under the Sign of Koth” on the Season of Mist YouTube channel
https://youtu.be/2jHGG13R53o.
Kadath is out January 24th, 2025 on Season of Mist.
Pre-save & Pre-order
https://orcd.co/tgookadath
More praise for The Great Old Ones
“The underlying creepiness and lingering horror are ever-present within the depths of The Great Old Ones” – Metal Injection
“A beautifully pure swill of sinister, emotive, epic and mysterious” – Everything Is Noise
“If there is going to be a single band that stands as an exemplar of so-called Lovecraftian metal, it will be The Great Old Ones” – Toilet Ov Hell
“this may be the pinnacle of horror metal” – New Noise
Tracklist: 1. Me, the Dreamer (10:55) [WATCH]
2. Those from Ulthar (9:10)
3. In the Mouth of Madness (7:11)
4. Under the Sign of Koth (8:46)
5. The Gathering (1:19)
6. Leng (15:00)
7. Astral Void (End of the Dream) (8:54)
8. Second Rendez-Vous (Bonus Track Box & Vinyl) (11:32)
Total runtime: 1:12:49
A name is whispered which chills the spine and quickens the pulse – THE GREAT OLD ONES. Like phantoms emerging from the fog, they have haunted the world of Lovecraftian Black Metal with their sonorous, foreboding melodies and eldritch tales. Descending once more into the abyss of H.P. Lovecraft’s enigmatic universe, they have unearthed their latest opus, Kadath – an album that promises to be a journey of both magnificent dreams and unspeakable horrors.
THE GREAT OLD ONES emerged in 2009 from the old parts of the ancient Aquitanian harbour city of Bordeaux, France, a city famed for its secrets and deep red wine. After releasing their first album, Al Azif, the reactions of critics and fans were unanimously positive.
The band followed up with their second full-length, Tekeli-li, which garnered even higher praise. As a result, THE GREAT OLD ONES played a show at the acclaimed Roadburn festival, opened for BEHEMOTH in their homeland, played at Hellfest, and supported label mates SHINING and DER WEG EINER FREIHEIT.
The third full length, EOD – A Tale of Dark Legacy, (2017) marked another big step in the band’s fast rising career. The five-piece took the road with the legendary GAAHLS WYRD and embarked on a successful European co-headline tour with AUÐN from Iceland. THE GREAT OLD ONES also appeared on the billing of respected festivals, such as Brutal Assault and Eindhoven Metal Meeting, in front of a gigantic crowd of cultists.
THE GREAT OLD ONES have been crafting sonic landscapes that echo with the cries of ancient, cosmic deities and the whispers of forgotten realms. Their discography masterfully showcasing the sheer power of atmosphere and narrative, and has guided listeners through the darkest corners of Lovecraft’s mythos, earning them a devoted following among both metal aficionados and acolytes of the macabre. With their unique blend of harrowing intensity and sombre beauty, they have captured the essence of the otherworldly, marrying it with the raw, blackened heart of metal.
Kadath marks a bold departure from the oceanic depths of the Cthulhu mythos, venturing instead into the Dreamlands. It is here that we follow the protagonist, Randolph Carter, as he seeks the fabled city that haunts his visions. The album resonates with his longing and determination, embodying the treacherous path he treads amidst the capricious gods and monstrous entities that dwell within this twilight realm. Through seven tracks, THE GREAT OLD ONES tortuously narrate Carter’s odyssey, transcending the boundaries of music to evoke a world where fantasy intertwines with terror.
Recorded under the vigilant eye of Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe, Paris, Kadath‘s production is nothing short of sorcerous. Each note and whispers are imbued with the power to transport the listener, offering an escape into an epic, immersive universe. Benjamin Guerry’s haunting vocals and guitars, alongside the mesmerizing contributions of Aurélien Edouard and Alexandre Rouleau on guitars, the deep resonance of Gregory Vouillat’s bass, and the relentless assault of Julian Deana’s drums, forge an album of unmatched emotional depth and technical prowess.
Thus, behold the latest chapter in their eldritch saga, Kadath – their unyielding quest to explore the outer margins of reality and imagination. An invitation to journey beyond the familiar, into a world of cosmic dread and awe-inspiring beauty, where the ancient gods still roam and dreams bleed into reality.
Line-up:
Benjamin Guerry – Guitars, Vocals
Aurélien Edouard – Guitars
Hugo Bernart – Guitars
Gregory Vouillat – Bass
Julian Deana – Drums
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