Ever heard of Horion? No? Me neither, since they are now offering their debut EP this band still flies under the radar. Hopefully, this will change because these French lads seem to have plenty to offer. This twenty-one minute counting debut simply called “Doom” is the only thing tangible except some snippets on the internet, and dear reader, with four songs you also have the advantage I won’t be writing long pages of nonsense. So let’s start!
As said “Doom ” consists of four tracks and is barely over twenty minutes. The music presented sound very promising. It contains French extreme metal with Death, Doom, Black but also other influences. It reminds me a bit of The Crown, Seth, Keep of Kellisin and other giants. The vocals are more Death Metal orientated while the cello makes a welcoming touch giving it an even more adventurous feel.
Lyrics are both in French as in English and the music itself provides a brutal yet introspective journey handling themes of a world ruled in violence, not so far as the reality we now live in.
The EP starts with “Cages du Chair” which is quite an mix of Death and Black metal. The vocals are grunt orientated and although not that special do the job quite well. Great detail has been given in making this track adventurous. From slower to more punishing faster parts this song is top notch and has at times an epic feel. A great start with a powerful track which proves these French lads can sure make a crafty tune.
With “Stronghold” almost immediately the cello makes its introduction. This song has a sense of urgency were guitar leads meet cello. Aided with the powerful grunt and screams and, once again, tempo shifts this is again an adventurous track with an own approach. Especially the last part of this track is really excellent making it a sizzling and thrilling ride (please find out yourself). The title track “Doom !” is very direct and aggressive and is the most brutal track on this EP, and “Monarque” provides a fitting end. It combines brutalism and atmosphere were the well dosed cello parts gives this track just a bit extra.
Twenty-one minutes of music is way too short, it merely gives a glance about what Horion is capable of. I hoped that there were one or two songs extra because it feels we only scratched the surface with this band. But what I can tell is that what I’ve heard sounds very, very promising. The mixture of genres, the atmosphere (especially the cello), the organic yet very clear and raw production and the artwork make sure this EP is one certainly to give your attention. Let’s hope we will soon see a full album. If you are an adventurous Extreme Metal connoisseur you definitely should give this one a listen. Albeit short it contains more than enough chills and thrills to get your booty going. Good stuff!
Score: 7,5 /10
Label: Void Wanderer Productions
Release Date: 26-3-2026
Reviewer: Erik
Tracklist:
- Cages de Chair
- Stronghold
- Doom!
- Monarque
