How do you determine a band’s popularity and influence on the music scene? Judge by the number of imitators it spawns in its wake. Let’s make no mistake: Slift have revolutionized the French rock scene to the point where their music is now exported as widely as our finest wines. But their influence can also be felt within our borders. Lille-based trio The Baptized could be one of their disciples and have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of by the comparison. They truly deserve a spotlight here.
Just like Slift, the three-piece is a family affair, they love the Metal Hurlant style of sci-fi and see their music as an odyssey. This is it for comparisons. The Baptized’s sonic macrocosm is enough to surprise and delight any fan of interplanetary travel without moving from their couch.
“Exilion” can indeed be experienced like a choose-your-own-adventure story, as listeners finds themselves parachuted into “a post-apocalyptic wasteland where all the worst thugs and damned are sent into exile. In addition to this unwelcoming backdrop, the climatic conditions are extremely hostile: storms and drought are the rule. It’s not a good place to live in Exilion!” Here’s for the setting. The obvious sci-fi references are naively listed (Moebius, La Horde du Contrevent, Metal Hurlant, Star Wars) but this is not the point, for their collision of psychedelic, stoner and post-punk rock breathes new life into their cosmic narrative — one to be lived out instrumentally.
Why stick to an etiquette when their music is synonymous with freedom? Why set boundaries when Nicolas’ ever-present but never-dull guitar solos are so expressive? From “Furvent” onwards, we immediately notice the soloist’s expressions, between incandescent cascades of notes and soothing lulls, harpooning the listener to take him beyond the stars. Each track develops an atmosphere and a new chapter in the Exilion adventure. We get easily caught in their lyrics-free whirlwind, as the energy and spontaneity of their music keep us on the edge of our seats.
If you’re not won over yet, the rhythm section will change your mind, for they are the markers of this debut album. The duo’s patterns are simple but infectious: straight-up hard-hitting, yet super catchy and groovy. If you’re going to take off, you might as well do it at supersonic speed! It’s impossible to stay still under the onslaught of “Furvent”, the epileptic “Araski” or the nearly-punk crescendo of “La Malterie”. This gripping pair turns into a spiritual dragon dominating the elements, making it easy for Nicolas to express all his feelings on the masterful closing track “Storming The Dark”, whose notes set the firmament ablaze.
It always gives hope to see new bands bring back the holy guitar-bass-drums trinity and a strong drive to reach for the stars to the forefront, and The Baptized is a trio you’d be wrong not to support. Their debut album’s only flaw might be the (almost) candor inherent to their youth. However, you should remember the name of this new space agency from Lille, for it has what it takes to take you far, far away in the years to come.
Last modified: 18 March 2025
