Etoile Filante are a French black metal band and this is their second album.
Mare Tranquillitas has a duration of 40 minutes and showcases Etoile Filante’s brand of ambient/atmospheric black metal.
Mare Tranquillitas adopts a synth-heavy approach that’s augmented by theremin use. Because of the way that these two instruments are deployed and interact across the tracks, the record frequently has a psychedelic progressive feel that’s very enjoyable, reminding me of 70s progressive rock sci-fi epics, albeit here given an ambient black metal makeover. Because of this, Mare Tranquillitas is imbued with a deep sonic grandeur. The feel is very much one of celestial exploration, despite the nautical themes that run through it.
The focus is on Mare Tranquillitas is on atmosphere and mood, and the songs take the listener on a journey into vast absorbing soundscapes. It’s an immersive and very atmospheric experience, with plenty for the listener to try to take in as they ascend through the tracklist. The music has bite though too; underneath the majestic synths and expressive theremin lies a raw and aggressive blackened assault. This combination works well for Etoile Filante, allowing them to shape their black metal so that it hits with both atmospheric feeling and sharp serrated darkness.
Mare Tranquillitas is really good. I’m put in mind of a cross between select aspects of bands such as Midnight Odyssey, Vinterriket, Mare Cognitum, Olhava, and Entropia. If that appeals, then you should definitely check out what Etoile Filante have created here.
Wonderbox Metal 