Morte France | Hesperia | Antiq

Release Date: 15 December 2025

Format: CD/LP/Digital

Genre: Black Metal

Country: France

Morte France return with “Hesperia”, an album rooted in the project’s ongoing dialogue with European heritage, myth, and spiritual reflection. Formed in 2021 by Kval, the band has followed a clear path, mixing harsh expression with philosophical  Radiale”, the project has always worked through themes larger than the individual. “Hesperia” keeps this direction, though the tone is more inward, more personal, with an emotional charge that does not turn away from its ideological backbone.

The album presents Morte France in a more open state, less aggressive than before, though it still pushes forward with sharp energy. Vocals cut through the atmosphere with the same burning delivery, while the guitar work creates wide, luminous passages that echo the album’s vision of Europe as both ancient and wounded. “Waldgänger” brings a storming introduction to this world, and “Europa Aeterna” answers with a more melodic approach that gives the album a strong early contrast. The use of guest vocals in “Hesperia” adds welcome color, turning the title track into one of the most expressive moments of the album.

“Hesperia” works strongly through its thematic devotion. The lyrical focus pulls from thinkers like Jünger and Hesse, and this gives the music a literary quality without slipping into vagueness. Kval’s voice remains central, carrying the emotional core of the album, while Taur and Ghmur keep everything grounded. The production leans into cold textures, giving each composition a raw presence that matches the project’s vision. Nothing here tries to soften the message, and the album has a consistent intensity from the early charge to the closing track “Fernweh”, which delivers a long, wandering reflection that fits the album’s contemplative spirit.

As a whole, “Hesperia” is a strong second full album, more open-hearted than its predecessor, yet still loyal to the internal universe Kval has been shaping. It shows a band confident in its worldview, committed to its themes, and capable of translating them into engaging black metal with a personal signature. It maintains its footing through atmosphere, emotion, and a steady push forward, creating a release that stands comfortably in the upper tier of Antiq’s catalog. This album works well for listeners who want black metal with intellectual fire and strong narrative direction.

Score: 7.5

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