Emerging from the abyss of personal reflection and oceanic metaphors, French blackened screamo band NAUFRAAGE has unleashed their debut track, Infortune. Born from the creative reconnection of longtime collaborators Matt and Seb, this project marks a return to the intensity and raw emotion that has defined their past work, yet now ventures into darker, more turbulent waters.
Infortune reflects the overwhelming weight of loss and despair, themes that echo through every line of its haunting French lyrics.
The band’s imagery is tied to the sea—a symbol of chaos, danger, and the unknown.
As Seb explains, “The song Infortune explores themes of loss, despair, and tragedy. The narrator, like Captain Ahab from Moby Dick, is trapped in an obsessive pursuit that leads to destruction.”
This relentless quest, much like Ahab’s, spirals out of control, leading to inevitable ruin. The ocean in Infortune mirrors this loss of control, symbolizing the depth of sorrow and the futility of clinging to hope.
The lyrics, both poetic and brutal, lay bare a mind submerged in melancholy:
“Bitterness, melancholy devours me. The meeting is tragic, we’ll have to die from it.”
This emotional intensity is enhanced by the band’s precise, yet chaotic sound—born from their screamo roots but now infused with blackened metal’s atmospheric darkness.
The production quality reflects NAUFRAAGE’s commitment to a modern sound, with the skilled hand of their long-time friend Ténèbre, known for his work with Vincent Cavanagh of Anathema, ensuring that every layer of sound contributes to the overwhelming sensation of being lost at sea.
NAUFRAAGE’s music offers listeners freedom in interpretation. While the oceanic imagery draws comparisons to Moby Dick, the band intentionally avoids direct references, allowing listeners to connect the song to their own experiences—whether it be love, depression, or the crushing weight of self-doubt.
As Seb notes, “The lyrics never directly reference the novel or its original inspirations, allowing the listener or reader complete freedom in their interpretation.”
Infortune stands as a powerful introduction to NAUFRAAGE‘s world, where hope drowns beneath the waves of regret, and tragedy feels inevitable.
With more music promised by the end of the year, the band is set to release an EP that will further explore the dark, abyssal themes introduced in this first offering. Prepare to dive deep—Infortune is just the beginning.
