In 2013, the Paris-based band Pyrecult emerged from members who previously performed in Providence, Wolfpack, MPO, and Spitfight. They have since honed a sound rooted in a blend of punk hardcore and black metal influences, with a focus on existential and dark thematic elements. Over the years, they performed alongside All Out War, Merauder, Suburban Scum, First Blood, Rotting Out, Black Tongues, and No Turning Back, and released two EPs—“Sought To Overthrow” in 2014 and “Obedience” in 2017.
After a period of hiatus, the group is returning with a renewed lineup, now including past members of Hexis, and preparing to release their new EP, “Voluntary Serfdom,” this November on Knives Out Records. Vinyl and cassette editions are planned for 2025.
The band aught up with us to share their thoughts on the inspirations behind the record, an update on their growth, plans for upcoming months, details on the artwork, and a track-by-track rundown.
Ilhan (bass) and Cedric (vocals/lyrics), both founding members, responded with extensive insights below.
The band’s name appeared in a previous article almost three years ago, highlighted in a “Top 10 French Hardcore & Metal Bands Under The Radar” feature by the French metallic hardcore band Beyond The Styx. That earlier mention described Pyrecult’s sound as extremely violent and unhealthy, the kind that is not for the fainthearted, and their new EP proves it!
Ilhan explained that “Voluntary Serfdom” represents a renewal following difficult years. During the pandemic, other members left for health reasons, work abroad, or other projects. Faced with starting over, he and Cedric found motivation and rage to push forward. Ilhan dealt with personal struggles, from family health issues to a career transition into audio engineering. Writing most of the riffs, he aimed for direct, aggressive material as a response to adversity.
The result is a raw, cathartic EP that channels that energy into sound. The band’s current lineup—completed by Benoit (guitar, ex-Nesseria, ex-Hexis), Quentin (drums), and Baptiste (guitar)—is now the strongest since their 2013 inception.
Cedric elaborated that “Voluntary Serfdom” is a transitional EP following themes introduced on “Obedience.” It is conceptual, exploring the notion of voluntary servitude as first articulated by the French writer La Boétie.
The EP presents this paradox: how can anyone rationally accept enslavement? It attempts to illuminate factors that cause stagnation and apathy, while retaining a personal, cathartic angle.
The tracklist progresses through an introduction, four main pieces, and an outro. Each track carries its own significance, from core concepts to personal experiences.
The artwork, once again handled by Szymon Siech, resonates with the bleak atmosphere and maintains continuity with previous releases. It has been beautifully crafted, printed and transformed into a unique package on Knives Out Records.
“Once again, we entrusted Szymon Seich (VBRRTRD) (Blind To Faith, Homewrecker, Noisem) with the visual and artistic direction, as he was also behind the artwork for our two previous EPs.” – says Cedric. ”
“What we appreciate about him, beyond his working skills / style and influences, is the natural way his creations resonate with our compositions. Lastly, I would add that this recurring collaboration also simplifies the creative process.”
Track by track rundown:
Introduction
We wanted something more direct, more hardcore-oriented, as the opening of the record. This intro was composed with the old line-up and serves as a solid bridge between the old and new material from Pyrecult.
Voluntary Serfdom
This is the title-track of the EP, so naturally, it deals with the core concept of voluntary servitude. It illustrates our tendency to position ourselves simultaneously as both martyrs and oppressors (through lethargy or complacency), leading us down the path of our own decline.
World Ablaze
World Ablaze is a painting. It depicts humanity lost in the flames of an exhausted planet—a landscape of desolation as the ultimate canvas for the extinction of all peoples, forever united in death. A dystopia that, in fact, might not be all that far-fetched…
Breather
As the name suggests, Breather is intended as a moment of respite within the record. This track is like a spiritual lament spoken to a deaf ear—an extended hand, yet sticky and unfaithful.
Chains
Chains is the track we chose as the lead single to announce the release, in agreement with Knives Out Records. It is arguably the most impactful track on the EP, consistently eliciting a highly positive response from the audience when performed live.
Like the track Voluntary Serfdom but from another analytical angle, Chains explores how the domination of tyrants exists solely through the consent of individuals. Without this consent, domination would be nothing: “Resolve to serve no more, and you are free.” Humanity can be held responsible for its own subjugation to power.
However, through its composition and lyrical themes, Chains also serves as a pledge to resistance, rebellion and resilience in the face of tyrants’ oppression (a topic we introduced in our first EP, Sought to Overthrow).
Oblivion
Despite its heavy and dark atmosphere, the outro Oblivion offers an opening—both in terms of musical genre and spirit.
In a maelstrom of oppressive industrial music inspired by the influences of new and old members alike, it expels from its murky depths expressions of madness interwoven with quasi-shamanic chants. These chants were drawn from field recordings we made during travels in Asia.
Ilhan: I recorded these chants that’s celebrate the one year anniversary of someone’s death in Laos, I was invited as a family member. It was a beautiful ceremony that link all the family on a celebration of someone’s life, before our ultimate fate of fading to Oblivion. Oblivion is the last word of the song Voluntary Serfdom, and come back again and again, just before that prayer, a perfect closure to illustrate the thematic of this disc.
PYRECULT upcoming shows:
Pyrecult will be promoting the new EP through a series of European shows. Their tour schedule includes stops in France, Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and an appearance at Hellfest in Clisson, France.
11/01 Tours (Fr)
12/01 Paris (Fr)
30/01 Metz (Fr)
31/01 Nuremberg (Ger)
01/02 Berlin (Ger)
02/02 Gdansk (Pl)
03/02 Lodz (Pl)
04/02 Ostrava (Cz)
05/02 Prague (Cz)
06/02 TBC
07/02 Zurich (Ch)
08/02 Troyes (Fr)
17/05 Poitiers (Fr)
22/06 Hellfest, Clisson (Fr)
