French progressive death metal visionaries EPITAPHE are set to release their highly anticipated third full-length album, III, on September 11, through Aesthetic Death (CD + LP) and Gurgling Gore (MC).
Stream the first single “Windswept” at THIS LOCATION.
Following the overwhelming acclaim received by II, EPITAPHE return with their most ambitious and fully realized work to date. Rather than departing from the artistic path that established the band’s identity, III refines, expands and elevates every defining element of its predecessors into a collection of compositions that is both more immersive and more emotionally compelling.
The album pushes the band’s death metal foundation to new extremes, embracing an even harsher, darker and more unforgiving sound without sacrificing the sophistication that has become synonymous with EPITAPHE. Counterbalancing its crushing weight are exquisitely crafted acoustic passages and richly atmospheric interludes that paint vivid sonic landscapes. Once again, at times the distinctive voice of the saxophone plays a central role, adding remarkable depth, warmth and color while further reinforcing the band’s unmistakable musical identity.
Rather than relying on a predictable contrast between moments of aggression and restraint, III unfolds with an organic, narrative flow, allowing each composition to evolve naturally and reveal new layers over repeated listens. Every transition serves a purpose, every melody contributes to the wider emotional arc, and every arrangement reflects a meticulous attention to detail. The result is an album of exceptional scope and cohesion, confirming EPITAPHE as one of the most artistically significant acts in today’s extreme metal landscape.
III was recorded by James Leonard at Mémoire Mécanique Studio and Pentachrome Wave Studio, before being mixed by James Leonard and mastered by Greg Chandler at Priory Recording Studios. The album artwork features “Spring Frost”, a striking painting by acclaimed Finnish artist Petri Ala-Maunus, perfectly complementing the record’s immersive atmosphere and profound sense of scale.
Track-list:
- Half-Light
- Windswept
- Spring Frost
- Transient
- Liminal
Line-up:
PB: Vocals, Saxophone
AG: Drums, Percussion
LB: Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Fretless Bass, Keyboards & Effects
Music by EPITAPHE
Lyrics by LB
EPITAPHE:
https://epitaphe.bandcamp.com/
https://instagram.com/epitaphedeathmetal
https://www.facebook.com/epitaphemetal/
Aesthetic Death:
https://aestheticdeath.bandcamp.com/
https://www.aestheticdeath.com/
https://www.facebook.com/aestheticdeath.uk
Gurgling Gore:
https://gurglinggore.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/gurglinggore
Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog 
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