The Great Old Ones - Tekeli-Li Review

Back in 2009, The Great Old Ones was formed.  It was not until 2011 that they acquired a full lineup and not until 2012 that their first album came out.  Fast forward to 2014 and you get Tekeli-Li, a lovecraft-inspired piece of art.  Now, before I get into the music on this album, I want to bring something into the light that I have had a theory about for quite some time now.  The Great Old Ones are based in France.  France is not well known for producing very many metal bands but when they do, they all have this strange overtone in their music.  I don’t know what it is, or how do describe it, but if you listen to bands like Gojira and Svart Crown, along with The Great Old Ones, you will hear what I am talking about.  Like I said, it’s hard to explain, but it is definitely evident in French metal!

Anyways, onto the music!  Tekeli-Li is TGOO’s second album and there is no need to worry about a sophomore slump here!  They blend their version of ambient music with black metal and other elements to create a very, dare I say, calming atmosphere throughout the album.  Don’t take my word too seriously though, because at some points, the music can get downright brutal and scary.  That only adds to the excitement of listening to the album in one full sitting. 

Musically, this album is a work of pure skill and artistic ability.  Every musician knows their instrument very well and can play it extremely well.  Granted that there are many things that can be edited and changed in a studio, you can’t really fix shitty playing.  Luckily, there is none of that throughout the album and every instrument holds its own.  Drumming is extremely powerful.  The kick roars through and it sounds gigantic.  The sound that the engineer got out of the kit is phenomenal and it really shows off the skill of the drummer.  They have 3 guitarists in the band so there is a lot of room for them to create some excellent riffs using three guitars.  They do just that, along with keeping that huge atmosphere going.  Vocals are all influenced by H.P. Lovecraft stories and every song is like its own individual tale.  It is a neat concept and adds a new layer to the music that would have not been there, had the lyrics not been so in depth and meaningful. 

It is a bummer that this album was released so recently, because now we won’t see more music from them for a while!  Tekeli-Li proves itself worthy amongst so many other black metal albums and one listen will justify that for any listener.  If you haven’t listened to this band yet, you need to NOW!!

10/10

https://www.facebook.com/thegreatoldones