French artist Etoile Filante approaches the nuances of black metal in an ambient state; The artist embarks on a profound odyssey with latest work, Mare Tranquillitatis, which despite assurances to the contrary from i’s title is not a journey to a calm lunar sea, but rather a descent into the crushing depths of the Neptunian abyss. Drawing inspiration from a long-standing fascination with the cosmos and humanity’s place within it, the work becomes a sonic exploration of existential questions and the never-ending quest for meaning.

The artist’s sound is firmly rooted in what might most easily be termed atmospheric black metal in the manner in which primal energy and icy shrieks associated with that genre, layered with swirling synths and the otherworldly hum of the theremin create a soundscape that is both beautiful and unsettling. The listener becomes a willing participant in the band’s “alchemical work,” a metaphorical journey through the cosmos in search of answers.

Each piece seemingly acts as a cryptic map point on this celestial voyage. Fragments de Poseidonis, referencing Clark Ashton Smith‘s story about a lost civilisation, hints at the futility of searching for a cosmic utopia. Furthermore Naufragés de l’océan d’Onyx, which translates to Shipwrecked in the Ocean of Onyx, further emphasises the sense of isolation and despair that permeates the work as a whole.

Despite the bleak atmosphere, there are moments of resilience. The group itself formed out of a desire to understand the mysteries of the universe, and this relentless curiosity shines through the music. Pieces like La traversée (The Crossing) might evoke the desperate struggle to stay afloat in an endless cosmic ocean, but the struggle itself becomes a testament to the human spirit.

Mare Tranquillitatis is not an easy listen. It demands the listener’s full attention and is likely to resonate most with those who already find solace in the vast indifference of space. However, for those willing to make the commitment, Etoile Filante offers a rewarding journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche and the cosmos itself.

Mare Tranquilitatis is out now.