France’s Gorgon has been crafting black metal nightmares for many years now, and with their seventh album, “For Those Who Stay,” they’ve cemented themselves as titans of the modern black metal scene. This latest offering is a relentless and sinister display of their trademark sound that is sharp, vicious guitars, organic yet punishing drums, and ominous atmospheres wrapped in dark poetic lyricism. It’s a storm of unrelenting aggression tempered with just the right amount of melody, giving listeners a feral yet refined experience.
From the opening title track, “For Those Who Stay,” you know you’re in for a ride through darkness. The blast beats are savage, the guitars slice through the mix like obsidian blades, and the growled vocals are imbued with menace. This is black metal played with the conviction of a band that knows exactly what they are and what they want to deliver.
For fans of blackened death metal, there are immediate standouts. “Vatican’s Fall” is a blistering piece of anti-religious fury. The riffs are tightly wound and aggressive, and the drumming hits with precision, laying the groundwork for an atmosphere that’s both oppressive and exhilarating. It’s a furious critique wrapped in razor-sharp musicianship, and it leaves a lasting impression.
“When It Rains In Hell” takes a different path, leaning more heavily into pure black metal territory. The tremolo-picked guitar lines swirl like a dark maelstrom, and the song’s atmosphere is soaked in malevolence. The track demonstrates Gorgon’s mastery of creating a hellish ambiance while maintaining structure and clarity — no easy feat in a genre known for its chaotic nature.
One of the defining strengths of “For Those Who Stay” is its balance between raw aggression and polished production. The desire for a natural, organic sound is clear here — nothing feels overproduced or sanitized. The drums, in particular, have a powerful, live feel, which enhances the album’s authenticity. This decision gives the music a tactile intensity that pulls you deeper into Gorgon’s bleak world.
The lyrical content is another highlight, rich with ominous poetry and imagery. The themes of death, decay, and rebellion permeate every track, adding layers to the sonic assault. The guest vocals from Herastratos (of Nox Irae) on two tracks introduce a new texture, enhancing the album’s diversity without diluting its core message.
Every song on “For Those Who Stay” contributes to the album’s cohesive vision, but there are moments of standout brilliance. “Troops Of The Fallen” is a prime example — a thunderous, mid-tempo juggernaut that blends death metal brutality with black metal’s grim atmospherics. Meanwhile, “Hypnotic Fire” builds tension with eerie guitar work before erupting into a full-scale assault on the senses.
Despite the relentless onslaught, Gorgon knows when to shift gears. “Shelter” slows things down just enough to let the atmosphere breathe, providing a brief but necessary respite before plunging you back into the chaos. This dynamic pacing ensures that the album never feels monotonous, keeping the listener engaged from start to finish.
For a band with over three decades of history, Gorgon shows no signs of slowing down or compromising their vision. The 90s black metal spirit is alive and well in “For Those Who Stay,” but the album is firmly rooted in the present. It’s a testament to Gorgon’s ability to evolve without losing the essence of what makes them great.
In conclusion, “For Those Who Stay” is blackened death metal at its finest. It’s aggressive, atmospheric, and meticulously crafted and is a masterclass in how to blend fury and finesse. While the spoken word passages might not appeal to everyone, they fit seamlessly within the album’s narrative, enriching the overall experience.
If Gorgon isn’t already on your radar, this album will make sure they are. It’s a dark, twisted, and thoroughly enjoyable journey through black metal’s most sinister realms.
Rating: 9/10
Release Date: November 29th, 2024
Label: Osmose Productions
Writer: Andy Baqone
Tracklist:
- For Those Who Stay
- Tod. Mort. Death.
- Next To The Mill
- Hypnotic Fire
- Vatican’s Fall
- The Art Of Dying
- Despicable Beggars
- Shelter
- When It Rains In Hell
- Troops Of The Fallen
- Deserters As Prey
