Forebode takes Saille back to their roots while upping production values and retaining their songwriting prowess.

SAILLE

Netherlands-based quartet Saille (sahl-yeh) appear to be having a comeback year. They’ve recently acquired two new members, signed to Non Serviam records, and now release their first slice of majestic decadence since 2021’s V – an album that further cemented the band as one whose output is reliably strong, combining black metal blasphemy and, more recently, down-tuned death metal groove.

While perhaps slightly cheeky calling Forebode a full-length album (four new songs including a short intro, plus two reworked older songs and a few live numbers exclusive to the physical release), the symphonic black metal melodies have returned in abundance here and do more than enough to satiate the appetites of all who enjoy such bombastic hedonism. Whereas V saw the band’s sound shift away from the more orchestral elements that peppered their earlier releases, Forebode takes them back to their roots while upping the production values and retaining their songwriting prowess.

DECEPTION OF DECADENCE

Saille’s emphasis on riffs has always served them well, something as apparent as ever as Deception of Decadence roars through its seven-minute runtime with new recruit Jasper van Minnen’s pounding drums a central element that dominates and enthrals amidst Reinier Schenk’s excellent guitar work and Jesse Peetoom’s barbarous growls and striking melodious hollers. Cycle of Cynicism and Reminiscence of Regrets are classic slabs of unrelenting tremolo-heavy symphonic black metal and blast beats. However, rather than sounding derivative they shine thanks to strong, focused writing and four musicians who are clearly happy to be immersed within their new material and firing on all cylinders.

Multiple listens open the songs up significantly and Saille’s newfound energy and hunger is palpable throughout, accentuated by the expansive production, indulgent melodies and gratifying riffs that breathe new life into the band’s sound. The grin-inducing moments are plentiful, popping up on both old and new material alike, with a re-recorded version of 2012’s H.P. Lovecraft-inspired Haunter of the Dark a welcome addition as one of the strongest offerings from their back catalogue, making the original sound flat in comparison.

EATER OF WORLDS

Eater of Worlds, another reworked highlight from an older release, is presented here as an ‘Extended Classical Version’. It delivers not only improved production but also more prominent classical instruments (and who doesn’t want more trumpets?) to accentuate the more elaborate and distinct aspects of their repertoire.

While Forbode may leave listeners salivating for a lengthier follow-up to V, it offers enough within the new material and the reinterpretations of older songs to serve up a scintillating taster of what will hopefully be more to come. The songs are sharp, the production has never sounded better, and this could well be the resurgence they were hoping for. Saille’s return in 2026 should not go unnoticed, and Forebode serves as a statement of intent from a band whose renewed vivaciousness is certain to turn a few heads.

Saille: Website

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