French funeral doom. Now, I know you're probably thinking, "Funeral doom? That sounds silly! What could this music do to possibly warrant that kind of description?" For starters, it's fucking bleak, not unlike Shining. But what separates Ataraxie from those crazy black metallers is their general approach. The music on Slow Transending Agony is absolutely crushing thanks to the band's impeccable pacing, which allows them to switch from passages of dirge-like slowness to sections of straight up death metal. The perfect blend of harmonized guitar parts and pulverizing palm muted riffs, along with the exceptional vocals provided by bassist Jonathan Théry, create an incredible sense of despair. This isn't for everyone, but it's a perfect introduction to the genre. A good album for picnics and family get-togethers.