Painting by Ferdinand Knab
Logo by Ghorn
Layout by Foudre Noire
Style: Hellenic Black Metal, Melodic Black Metal, Heavy Metal (harsh vocals)
Recommended for fans of: Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Varathron
Release date: 17 April 2025
Over the past decade or so, Phil Tougas has become a household name within the broader underground metal scene, lending his myriad of talents to groups across a broad spectrum of styles. Chthe’ilist proved Tougas’ songwriting aptitude; Atramentus and Worm proved his ability to summon compelling atmosphere; and First Fragment launched him handily into the pantheon of extreme shredders. One would think having your nimble fingers stuck in so many pots would scarcely leave time for excursions, yet here we are. Tougas’ latest labor of love appears in the form of Zeicrydeus, in which our multifaceted shredder combines all of his previously mentioned talents with a detour into the realm of Hellenic black metal, though with a few trademark Tougas Twists™.
Zeicrydeus is a solo project, with Tougas handling the manifold duties of four string lead bass, vocals, multi-timbral synthesizer, six string guitars, timpani, and drum programming. There are session live drums credited to Chakral (Ascended Dead, VoidCeremony), though I’m not exactly certain where they begin and the programmed drums end. Regardless, La Grande Heresie is a bold (and brash) statement of Tougas’ love for the Hellenic black metal scene, drawing direct inspiration from early Rotting Christ, Necromantia, and Varathron, and infusing this sound with a roaring heavy metal spirit. “Ten Thousand Spears Atop The Bleeding Mountains” fittingly kicks things off with a lyrical homage to Running Wild’s Under Jolly Roger, barreling into an instantly recognizable triumphant Tougas riff and showcasing our first Tougas Twist™: a metric shitload of pinch harmonics intertwined right in the middle of fearsome finger acrobatics. Once the high-octane display has run its course, we are introduced to the secondary style that comprises La Grande Heresie: swaggering Manowar-esque USPM riff-craft. The combination of melody driven black metal and scrappy DIY heavy metal aesthetic works wonderfully as a foundational sound whereby Tougas springboards his idiosyncratic stylings.
The second Tougas Twist™ is the dramatic Summoning-esque atmosphere that is woven into the core of La Grande Heresie. The earlier mentioned multi-timbral synthesizer is put to near constant use, enveloping the sound in an occult haze. Tougas’ melodic phrases coil around themselves, slightly overstaying their welcome on occasion, though theatrical timpani hits help the experience along by accentuating the rhythmic flow like landmarks for the wandering melophile. Rattling chains and the sharpening of blades can be heard periodically accompanying particularly dramatic moments, as if Tougas is quite literally leading a triumphant charge into battle, warhorn replaced by shredding bass solo. Tougas’ vocal performance is similarly arcane, leaning mostly towards a midrange black metal snarl, but occasionally branching out into grunts, yells, and an odd purring technique that is as menacing as it is captivating. The esoteric atmosphere is constantly at odds with the modern technique of Tougas’ playing, one constantly overtaking the other, mirroring the rise and fall of empires.
As if the varied instrumentation, intense performances, and devouring atmosphere wasn’t already enough to set Zeicrydeus apart, the biggest and best Tougas Twist™ has been saved for last: formally titled bass solos. La Grande Heresie is unique in that it features bass solos in the stead of guitar solos, and even more unique in that these solos are quite literally christened. From “THE FOUR PRONGED SERPENT PHALANX” featured on “Ten Thousand Spears Atop The Bleeding Mountains” to “HÉRÉSIE TOTALE” and “LA FLAMME DES REBELLES” from “Sous L’Ombre Éternelle Des Vestiges D’Heghemnon”, Tougas’ dedication to crafting a dramatic and entertaining experience seeps all the way into meta territory. Lyrically, the storytelling expands on lore already told in other Tougas projects (Chthe’ilist, Atramentus), adding even further to the meta narrative. La Grande Heresie benefits greatly from Tougas’ imaginative presentation and immense bass talent, though an argument could be made that the everpresent dexterousness becomes slightly masturbatory after a while. The final climax of penultimate track “Godsteel (Blood of the Sun)” allows itself one final indulgence, breaking La Grande Heresie’s own rule and reveling in an epic three-part dueling guitar and bass solo, titled “AIR” and “WATER”, “FIRE” and “ICE”, and “EARTH” and “SKY”. Truly, Tougas’ vision and conceit pays off in satisfying conclusion during this battle, and the listener is left with only howling winds and the reflective melody of the self-titled closing interlude with which to climb down from La Grande Heresie’s peak.
I’ll be the first to admit that Hellenic black metal is a style that has not historically resonated with my own personal tastes outside of a couple of heavy hitters (Macabre Omen, Varathron), so it is always a welcome surprise when an album comes along to challenge my bias. Compositionally, La Grande Heresie is a personally authentic take on the connection between the heavy metal and Hellenic black metal scenes, and while each Tougas Twist™ is an emotive addition to these styles, they can also become slightly distracting, never quite allowing the listener to fully immerse themselves within the archaic spirit of either genre. Even after a dozen or so listens, I’m still not sure whether I enjoy La Grande Heresie as a Hellenic black metal album proper or, rather, as just another Tougas offering. Nevertheless, Zeicrydeus certainly succeeds in setting itself apart within a long-standing scene, and Tougas’ brash (and bold) flair solidifies La Grande Heresie as a memorable standout of 2025.
Recommended tracks: Ten Thousand Spears Atop The Bleeding Mountains, Godsteel (Blood of the Third Son)
You may also like: First Fragment, Malokarpatan, Chthe’ilist, Thy Darkened Shade
Final verdict: 7.5/10
Related links: Bandcamp | Metal-Archives
Label: Productions TSO – The Stygian Oath – Bandcamp | Facebook | Official Website
Zeicrydeus is:
– Phillipe Tougas (vocals, multi-timbral synthesizer, four string lead bass, six string guitars, timpani, drum programming)
With guests:
– Chakral – Live session drums
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