Regard Extrême – Ars Veterum (Ambum – Steinklang Industries)
Genre/Influences: Medieval.
Format:
Background/Info: Fabien Nicault has been active under the Regard Extrême moniker since 1990. As a solo-project he already released several works on labels such as Les Joyaux De Le Princesse, Cynfeirdd ao. “Ars Veterum” is the first work released by Steinklang Industries.
Content: The work is an invitation to dark reverie; getting back to times of castles, knights, troubadours ao. “Ars Veterum” brings the image of lost times back to life by the magic of sounds directly linked to this music; flutes, lute, rebec… they’ll create this magic sound and sphere. Fabien Nicault’s deep timbre of voice injects an extra dark touch to the composition while a few female parts bring some lightness. I also noticed a few epic arrangements creating some drama. Most of the songs have been sung in French, but there are also tracks in Latin.
+ + + : Medieval music always has something enchanting and magic. It’s not that different with “Ars Veterum”, which however has a very dark approach. The music has something authentic; the flute sounds even creating a bewitching effect. The last track brings this sensation perfectly alive. I also enjoyed the more orchestral/epic-like “L’Irreparable”. And if you’re into French poetry, I’m sure the lyrics will definitely catch your attention for their emotion and rhymes. Last, but not least, the artwork is a perfect exposure of what you’ll hear.
– – – : The album is easy to listen and definitely enjoyable, but I sometimes miss something more melodic and/or elevating in the writing. Everything remains pretty dark… which is cool as well.
Conclusion: Regard Extrême is as a dark mirror to Medieval music; an ominous experience!
Best songs: “Bache, Bene Venies”, “L’Irreparable”, “Tels Rit Au Main Qui Au Soir Pleure”.
Rate: 7½.
Artist: www.regardextreme.net / www.facebook.com/regardextreme
Label: www.steinklang.org / www.facebook.com/steinklang
About Regard Extrême
Regard Extrême is the French solo project of Fabien Nicault, active since 1990 and built on a dark orchestral sound with a martial edge.
Its early works include “Aux Morts” in 1993, “Résurgence” in 1996, “Die Weiße Rose” in 1997 and “Vague À L’Âme” in 1998. “Utopia” followed on Cynfeirdd and Perspectives in 2004, and the project returned with “Anaphore” in 2017, “The Odyssey” on La Esencia in 2018 and “Tempus Fugit” in 2019.
“Ars Veterum” was the project’s first release for Steinklang Industries, issued in 2021. Nicault followed it with “Legacy” in 2022 and “Eco Solemnis”, again on Steinklang Industries, in 2024.
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I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.
