This is the debut album from French black metallers Mòr.
Containing members of Iffernet and Sordide, Hear the Hour Nearing! is a 44-minute black metal record that merges second wave black metal with a modern delivery.
Mòr’s style is one that combines raw aggression with atmospheric presence. Reference points are bands like Immortal, Satyricon, Keep of Kalessin, and Lamp of Murmuur; these will give you a rough idea of what awaits on this album, although Mòr have taken the time to develop their own personality around their influences.
The band have an ear for a good riff, and their use of melody is threaded throughout these very well. The guitars are overall very engaging and frequently quite addictive. The music is structured well, allowing for both pacing and dynamics to work with the expressive guitars and the howling fury of the singer, (who gives an impassioned, emotive delivery throughout). The bass has a notable presence too, particularly enriching songs like Third Path with a wandering underpinning texture that enriches the whole.
Hear the Hour Nearing! is a record that just gets better and better over time. Many of the riffs and melodies are striking, and each of the songs boasts many assets.
With strong songwriting that balances fierce intensity against melodic feeling and palpable atmosphere, Hear the Hour Nearing! is an easily enjoyable record. Mòr’s debut album is very strong, and provides a wealth of entertaining and absorbing material for loves of the blackened arts to delve into.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 