Review: “L’appel du Vide” by Olympus

An exploration of themes of self-worth, depression and suicide, tracing a journey through the darkness of intrusive thoughts towards a crucial realisation that you are not alone and hope can ultimately save you? That might seem like an awful lot to shoehorn into just three songs but with “L’appel du Vide” which translates from the French to “the call of the void” that is exactly what Essex Melodic Death Metal force Olympus have taken it upon themselves to create. It follows their April released EP “Knowing it Shall Wake” which itself had a bleak undercurrent to it while seriously impressing with impeccable musicianship, leaving us to wonder what the five piece can conjure up this time…

Vocalist Jason Dugal roars like the beast from the black lagoon during the introduction to “L’appel Du Vide“, his dry throated rasp caught in majestic swirling classic Scandinavian influenced Melodic Death Metal riffs from Dan Barratt and Ruaidhri Conroy. The Gothenburg scene which influenced the 2003 era of American Metalcore and bands like At The Gates and Dark Tranquillity appear to be an influence on this one, the trademark stylings of that era of the genre captured perfectly within the confines of the title track. As the song title suggests, the lyrical narrative is bleak but will resonate with anyone who has suffered from anxiety or depression, those dark thoughts part of what makes us all human. Rather than being an overdose of the negative it actually feels like a cathartic release, the sumptuous lead guitar work elevating everything despite the caustic nature of the savage vocals.

There is something about “Breathe” that gives off the energy of “The End of Heartache” era Killswitch Engage which is something we’ve said about Olympus material previously but is by no means a bad thing. As a track, this one is something of an interlude piece soaked in melancholia which captures the weight of emotion of the title track and releases it steadily. It’s as if one was drowning under the weight of the world is now swimming upward towards light and hope but has not yet broken the surface. 

The narrative continues with the potent “Misguided“, a headbangers delight of chugging riffs and skull pounding percussion that has a tasteful melodic break in the mid section. Dugal reflects upon being haunted by the ghosts of the past as the dark waters of melancholia rise once more, nuanced moments adding depth and texture to the bands glorious Melodic Death Metal sounds. What sets this apart is that it has a nostalgic quality that draws you in but it offers so much more than that because its a captivating piece in its own right. Fortunately this isn’t the only record Olympus have to offer because it will leave you wanting more [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. L’appel Du Vide
2. Breathe
3. Misguided

“L’appel du Vide” by Olympus is out on 6th November 2026 and should be available over at bandcamp