Band:	Glorior Belli
Album:	Gators Rumble, Chaos Unfurls
Style:	Black metal, Sludge metal
Release date:	October 2013

01. Blackpowder Roars
02. Wolves At My Door
03. Ain't No Pit Deep Enough
04. A Hoax, A Croc!
05. From One Rebel To Another
06. I Asked For Wine, He Gave Me Blood
07. The South Will Always Know My Name
08. Le Blackout Blues
09. Backwoods Bayou
10. Built For Discomfort
11. Gators Rumble, Chaos Unfurls

When someone brings up the South here in the U.S. they're typically referring to a clutch of states in or around our southeastern border (and Texas)?states known for their many contributions to modern civilization, their forward-thinking, and their humility. That and their music. Which, if you ignore the typical "I love my truck almost as much as I love Jesus" shit played on pop country and western channels, includes a large chunk of the best stuff made in the 20th century. Blues, early country (and Honky Tonk), a whole lot of rock, Jazz and so on.

ZZ Top. ZZ Top's from the South.

When one thinks of "southern-sounding" he or she probably doesn't think of France. Not off the bat at least, what with their fruity cars and their Eiffel Tower and their impenetrable philosophers and all. Glorior Belli wants to change that.

What they do is take a large slab of deep fried southerness and add some subtle Frenchy black metal spices. Think Crowbar with some Oranssi Pazuzu thrown in. It's like Kentucky Fried Chicken with a Michelin Star.

What ultimately prevents this from being a must listen though is the unshakeable sense that these guys are too aware of their unorthodox style being unorthodox. It's all played well and has more than enough riffs that will have you coming back for more, but the convergence of styles on this thing (and their last record) feels a bit more forced than organic and a bit more attention seeking than sincere. Or, at least that's the impression I get. Might have something to do with the vocals, which are done in a slightly breathy black metal vein. They aren't bad (they're done well), but they seem a little once-overish. They're like too thin a coat of paint and they're relentless. Not much heart to them.

It is a good album overall though. Well worth a listen. I mean, those riffs, man... fuh.