SEVEN GATES
SEMAZEN

2024

PERFUMER
Emilie Bouge

LAVENDER
artemisia
CARDAMOM
artemisia

VETIVER
MINT
PATCHOULI
GUAIAC WOOD
VANILLA
MUSK

AMBER
TONKA BEAN
LEATHER
PAPYRUS

‘Now all the desires are lead by so-called order. Semazen is a cyperpunk reflection of a materialist and addicted kind who tells us that we need some things even for a worship ceremony. Composed around carnal woods combined with mint bring mystery and addiction, the initial burst evoke the mystery of traditions in the trail of cardamom and soothing lavender. Rising from the every swirl, creamy amber blends with tonka bean and prepares the soul for purification. In the final act, artemisia brings a new lush woody dimension while artemisia and papyrus are more discreet. This charming olfactive meditation takes you away and transports you on a journey into the deep. Semazen tells a story of spiritual serenity.’ – Seven Gates

From the 6 Seven Gates fragrances that I wore on skin at the time of writing, Semazen felt the most intruiging and highest quality to me; albeit a tad green for my taste. However, this is definitely a stand out for the brand.

This opens minty, fruity , fresh, invigorating, green, all at once. I definitely get some fougere hints, with the tonka base also coming through and the overall vibe being strongly aromatic. To my nose, Semazen goes a bit in the direction of Les Bains Guerbois 1978 Les Bains Douches, but fresher. Either way, it would fit right in with the Les Bains or Frapin collections.

Classy, very well done, herbal boozy masculine cologne. Instead of growing too warm and sweeter, it stays very aromatic even into the drydown.