Death-doom outfit BARREN has unveiled their latest single, "L’appel du Vide," the second release from their highly anticipated debut album, The Hanged Man, set to drop on October 31, 2024, via Skull House Records. The single, available now on all streaming platforms, can be experienced HERE.
"L’appel du Vide" dives deep into dark, introspective themes, building on the haunting atmosphere established in BARREN's debut track, "Unheard." Opening with a chilling excerpt from the AA Big Book, the song begins with a slow, deliberate snare march before spiraling into a heavy, disorienting sonic abyss. The track crescendos with a frenzied guitar solo, carrying listeners to the edge of the void before leaving them in the darkness. This dynamic progression captures the band’s signature blend of crushing riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and emotional depth, further defining their unique approach to doom and death metal.
Lyrically, "L’appel du Vide" explores the phenomenon known as “The call of the void,” a sudden, inexplicable urge to leap into the unknown. Frontman Andrew Campbell draws from a deeply personal experience, recounting a moment from his childhood when he stood on the roof of the Comcast building in Philadelphia and felt an overwhelming desire to jump. This moment of raw, unfiltered emotion has lingered with him, inspiring the existential themes of "L’appel du Vide." The track delves into the unsettling allure of "nothingness" and the mystery of what lies beyond, themes that resonate throughout the entire album.
"L’appel du Vide" continues to showcase BARREN's ability to push the boundaries of doom and death metal, blending influences from bands like CONAN and PALLBEARER with progressive, atmospheric elements. The track offers a glimpse into the deeper themes explored in The Hanged Man, a concept album that grapples with addiction, despair, and the unknown, all seen through Campbell’s deeply personal lens. Pre-orders are available HERE.
The Hanged Man, which will be released on Halloween 2024, is a concept album that explores the devastating effects of addiction and the descent into despair. Through a series of five tracks, BARREN captures the emotional highs and lows of addiction, from the initial spiral into substance abuse to moments of hopelessness and, ultimately, the crushing weight of isolation. Each track on the album tells a different part of this story, with Campbell’s deeply personal lyrics anchoring the album in real-life struggles. The album was recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered by Campbell at Skull House Studio, giving it a raw, DIY feel that adds to its intensity. BARREN’s sound pushes the boundaries of doom and death metal while maintaining a deeply introspective narrative.
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