CHVE announces new record, Kalvarie, out on May 31st via Relapse Records

As the vocalist of Belgian post-metal collective Amenra, Colin H. van Eeckhout is known for his ability to connect with listeners, and to guide them on Amenra’s transformative path to healing. With his solo work as CHVE, he gets to tell his own story – one that aims to take the listener deep within themselves, to tap into something primal that dwells in us all. Today, CHVE makes his Relapse Records debut with his powerful new solo record, Kalvarie, a dark, ritualistic, and atmospheric experience.

Recorded and produced by Amenra’s bassist Tim De Gieter, mixed by Seth Manchester and mastered by Matt Colton, the title of this new record is a reference to the location where Christ was supposedly crucified, and also the name of the street where Colin went to school. The cover art shows a stone with a gallow on it, which is yet another reference to the Calvary hill, and also to the tattoo on Colin’s back, a symbol that has become synonymous with Amenra’s work. As Colin explains, he sees his solo work as connected to Amenra: “This is the story told by 1/5 of Amenra, so there will always be a connection”. For Colin, CHVE and Kalvarie represent the opportunity for full creative freedom: to experiment with sound without any limitations, and to embrace the vulnerability that comes with creating alone. The hypnotic music of Kalvarie is almost mind-altering, as the droning repetitions of the hurdy-gurdy, various percussions and effects meld with the soft otherworldliness of Colin’s voice throughout a single, 15 + minute track titled “Eternit”. Though not in the metal realm, the music contains a weight and heaviness on a par with that of Amenra. Below you can watch the teaser for Kalvarie.

Kalvarie will be released on May 31st via Relapse Records. Pre-orders are now available here.

Photo credit: Guy Kokken