On May 25th internationally, Antiq will release Monestherou, the striking debut full-length from rising French black metal band MALEBESTE.
Formed in 2024 in a small town in western France, MALEBESTE channel a deep connection to their homeland, drawing lyrical inspiration from the legends and history of the Charente and Vendée regions. Their sound merges melodic intensity with something both visceral and atmospheric.
A Debut Rooted in History and Myth
Monestherou is a conceptually rich album, recounting regional tales and folklore through a lens that blends medieval atmosphere with modern black metal ferocity. Entirely performed in French, the record shifts fluidly between haunting, contemplative passages and explosive bursts of blast-driven intensity.
Musically, Malebeste draw from both the French and Swedish black metal traditions, creating a sound that balances melody and brutality while offering a wide range of structures and moods—from serene acoustic moments to relentless, high-speed assaults.
The band’s latest single, “Hautefaye 1870”, offers a compelling preview of the album’s scope, combining historical narrative with immersive, atmospheric black metal.
Monestherou Track Listing
- Aigre Vinasse et Chaude Populace
- Hautefaye 1870
- Chasse Gallery
- Palefroi du Diable
- Milouziena
- Le Puits d’Enfer
- Monestherou
- Flamme Noir de l’Espoir
- Nocturne (Medley Acoustique)
With Monestherou, Malebeste deliver a debut that is both rooted in tradition and forward-looking, an evocative journey through regional history, folklore, and the enduring spirit of black metal.