‘This isn’t just a debut. It’s a declaration (of war)’
Once Brussels’ best-kept secret, VILLENOIRE is now impossible to ignore. With their explosive debut album ‘WHORN’, out now via Genet Records (Abhinanda, Reiziger…), the Belgian heavy alternative/post-HxC quartet – including members from Arkangel, Electric)noise(Machine, Lethvm or Death Before Disco – cements its place in the heavy alternative scene.
We heard a rumour—and for once, it was true. Definitely, VILLENOIRE is THE band you’ve been waiting for.
‘WHORN’ sounds like a grown-up echo of raw, loud, and defiantly alternative melodic hardcore. Think Cave In to Every Time I Die energy, Stray From The Path/Norma Jean/Poison The Well feeling with Brutus, Quicksand and Thrice vibes—familiar yet unexpectedly fresh. It’s a record that doesn’t just reference a spirit—it revives it.
Since their formation in 2023, VILLENOIRE has been making serious noise with their high-voltage live performances and a lineup packed with seasoned musicians. Recorded and mixed by Amaury Sauvé at THE APIARY Studio (Laval, France) where bands like Birds In Row or The Prestige meticulously crafted their musical gems, ‘WHORN’ is as urgent as it is unforgettable.
Whether you’re a fan of post-hardcore’s emotional punch, metal’s weight, or punk’s raw nerve—start looking out for VILLENOIRE. They’re not just coming—they’ve arrived.
[Photo (c)Hughes de Castillo]