Artist: Alesya
Country: Mexico
Label: Self-Released
Formats: Digital
Year: 2025
Not too long ago I stumbled upon Alesya’s marvellous ‘Hex De Tristesse Et Peste’-demo that was released by Mexico’s underground label Svart Hat Productions. The almost 20-minute demo brought together many of the elements of both raw and atmospheric Black Metal into something that felt familiar yet refreshing. A bit in the vein of Evilfeast and Paysage d’Hiver and the likes, enough melody, fast riffs and an icy cold atmosphere. Upon noticing the band already returned with ‘Chants d’une Lignée Sanglante’ a mixture of enthusiasm and a slight concern overwhelmed me. Of course, I was eager to hear more from this new Mexican band, but I am usually not too fond of bands releasing their stuff so quickly in succession and especially not when the album clocks well over an hour.
But, let’s start with a conclusion of sorts, that concern was largely unnecessary. Sure, over the course of the full hour and a bit of playing time, I do feel that some things could’ve been left out and still an hour is quite a long ride – at least for my standards. But, as a whole, I am still very much enamoured with the style of Alesya. The direction chosen on the band’s debut demo is pushed further on this first album, allowing Alesya to carve their name a bit firmer into the Pagan-fuelled Black Metal annals.
With 14 tracks in about 70 minutes there obviously is a lot of variety and some things do work a little better than others, but I never felt that this album is a mere jumble of ideas. The coherence of this large body of work might be the most striking, because those who heard ‘Hex De Tristesse Et Peste’ will definitely recognize the strong riffs, the icy vocals and the overall alluring atmosphere of the music. Both guys are also in a number of other bands, far from all of which I am familiar with, by the way, but it is crystal clear that they are formidable song writers and must have gained quite some experience in these other musical outings, even if one of the guys is only in his early twenties.
If one difference must be mentioned in comparison to the first recordings, it is that on this album there is more emphasis on the riffs and a little less on the cold repetitive patterns. We are even regularly treated to genuine guitar solos and beautiful Spanish-like acoustic strumming, something I can only applaud for its variety and broad soundscape and which underscores the musicality of these two gentlemen.
A bit long, yes. But still worth the listen; a few times is even recommended to let it unfold all of its secrets and intricacies. But despite all of its interesting twists and turns, it is also remarkably easy to digest. Mostly because of the familiar sounding atmospheres and especially the duos natural song writing skills.
