In a solitary homage to the divine elegance and electronic mysticism of Jean-Michel Jarre, the harbingers of Lovecraftian nightmares breathe new life into his legendary “Second Rendez-Vous.”
This bonus track, found on the collector’s edition of ‘Kadath‘, is a twisted, atmospheric take on Jarre’s original piece. Their reinterpretation transcends the boundaries of mere tribute, transforming it into an odyssey of blackened metal and ancient whispers.
With “Second Rendez-Vous,” THE GREAT OLD ONES expand the immersive universe they have meticulously conjured within “Kadath.” This album, a seven-track exploration of H.P. Lovecraft’s “The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath,” guides listeners through the phantasmal realms and eldritch echoes of Randolph Carter’s dreams. The band, renowned for their violent yet breathtakingly beautiful soundscapes, continues their sonic journey, venturing deeper into the fantastical and the grotesque.
Jean-Michel Jarre’s “Second Rendez-Vous” is a composition marked by both historical tragedy and artistic triumph. Originally inspired by the haunting symphonic-electronic fusion of Wendy Carlos’ “A Clockwork Orange” soundtrack, it was meant to pioneer music recorded in space. However, the piece became a solemn requiem for the Challenger astronauts, especially for saxophonist Ron McNair, whose immortal notes were intended to soar among the stars.
In their hands, THE GREAT OLD ONES anoint this composition with their signature elements—confronting listeners with the chthonic depths of their sound while lifting them towards otherworldly vistas. The immaculate production by Francis Caste at Studio Sainte-Marthe ensures that each note resonates through the abyss.
Listen to the cover of “Second Rendez-Vous” now on the Season of Mist YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/9xmhsh1Qu8o
‘Kadath’ is out now via Season of Mist.
➤ Order & Stream: https://orcd.co/tgookadath
Praise for Kadath:
“Like its predecessors, Kadath is a fusion of powerful riffs and depressive passages, punctuated by skillfully delivered percussion.” – Metallian (5/6)
“Kadath is a journey to an unknown world for us, but while listening, you’ll encounter so many side paths worth exploring that just this alone becomes a voyage of discovery.” -Rock Tribune (9/10)
“An hour of cosmic immersion in a universe as engaging as it is unsettling, difficult to digest at first, but leaving the curiosity to relive the experience multiple times.” – Rock Hard IT (7.5/10)
Tracklist:
1. Me, the Dreamer (10:55) [WATCH]
2. Those from Ulthar (9:10)
3. In the Mouth of Madness (7:11) [WATCH]
4. Under the Sign of Koth (8:46) [WATCH]
5. The Gathering (Interlude) (1:19)
6. Leng (Instrumental) (15:00)
7. Astral Void (End of the Dream) (8:54)
8. Second Rendez-Vous (Bonus Track, Jean-Michael Jarre Cover) (11:32)
Total runtime: 1:12:49
Country: France (FR)
Genre: Lovecraftian Black Metal
FFO: Behemoth, Cult of Luna, Emperor