Phonebook Eater 7/10

A Rock Solid Shell.

After the success of 'Somewhere Along The Highway' Cult Of Luna come up with 'Eternal Kingdom' two years later, an album that was inevitably anticipated because of its predecessor, and unfortunately inferior in quality. More straightforward and much less atmospheric than their previous two albums, this is an LP focused mostly on songwriting and musicianship, which, although always right on spot, was never an especially highlighted characteristic in Cult Of Luna's music. Because these musicians have talent, the second quality works fabulously, leading to an interplay between group members that was not heard before by them, because of how they've now gained much more experience in working with each other. The song-writing, however, is relying less on emotion, more on logic. In other words, 'Eternal Kingdom' has a lot less heart than other Cult Of Luna albums, even though there's not really a bad song here.

Warthur Cult of Luna might have invented a cool story for their latest album (come on, you don't seriously believe that yarn about them just happening to stumble across the story in someone's diary do you?), but on the whole it seems to be business as usual for them on the musical front. A harder-edged and more clearly metal release than the preceding album, Eternal Kingdom does have its quieter moments - such as Ugin, which puts me in mind of Neil Young's avant-garde soundtrack to Dead Man - but on the whole the album presents a heavier, scarier incarnation of post-metal which might alienate fans of the band's more peaceful side but will probably win over most metal listeners.

arcane-beautiful I have a confession to make...Post metal isn't really my thing.

Now don't get me wrong! Now and then, a band or 2 might come along that interests me, but it doesnt really grab hold of me, and it's not a genre I would say I fully understand.

Cult Of Luna are ok. Their not gonna be a band that I would buy all their albums and religously listen to them, but if something comes along now and then, yea I will take a gander at what they have to offer, main reason why I bought this album (also their's an owl on it, and who doesn't love owls).

This album is something different and isn't something I come across now and then. It's a good album I have to admit. It's not amazing, it's not perfect, it has its flaws and moments that I don't like, but the vast majority of it I liked. I think it's more of an albums album, as the singular songs are a bit laxidascial on their own, but together they seem good, and is a great listening experience.

Now if you haven't heard these guys before, here's a synopsis. It's basically just Neurosis with the odd experimental and post metal bit thrown in their. I'm serious, even the vocalist does a very bad Scott Kelly impression. Now the vocals do let it down a bit, and usually in post metal it always does...and here's why. One of the main aspects of post metal is to represent emotion, but all post metal vocalists seem to do is sound constipated (although I think Scott Kelly has a more interesting tone to his voice).

Songwise is pretty standard post metal stuff. Big long intros, atmospheric points etc. But Cult Of Luna also are able to add the odd experiment touch now and then, which keeps the album interesting as possible.

This album also seems to be a concept album, because the lyrics were taken from some Swedish guys journal. I have to admit that is pretty cool, and I think the only other band that did that was Modest Mouse. But their is some nice interesting images of earth and natural imagery, and animals and such, but when its told by a guy that sounds like he's having a poo, then it's not the best, but its still their for your reading pleasure.

1. Owlwood - Has a very doomy Neurosis vibe to it. The vocals are a complete Scott Kelly pastiche though. Some nice build ups and break downs. Bit lengthy though to be honest. Nice intro to the album, and the ending is pretty cool too. 6/10

2. Eternal Kingdom - Some pretty cool jazzy riffs. Love the rhythm changes throughout. One of the most interesting songs on the album. 8/10

3. Ghost Trail - Nice main riff. The build up in the intro is pretty cool. Great use of different atmopsheres and tones throughout. Pretty trippy too. Great climax towards the end. The increase in tempo is cool too. Being the longest song on the album, the length doesn't let it down, in fact it's the perfect length for this song. 8/10

4. The Lure (Interlude) - The use of piano reminds me of Pain Of Salvation's Ashes. Great arrangement, and the use of horns is amazing and adds to the atmosphere. Probabbly the best moment on this album. 9/10

5. Mire Deep - Intro reminds me of Animal Collective. One of the albums more upbeat moments. Nice instrumental sections. The song actually has a chorus, and the use of dischords is pretty cool. 8/10

6. The Great Migration - Nice doomy intro. Some nice eerie moments throughout. Vocals can be a bit strained at times though. 6/10

7. Österbotten - A nice electronica sounding instrumental...with live drums. Nice arrangment. 7/10

8. Curse - Pretty much the same as the sound of the band, but watered down. 5/10

9. Ugín - A nice wee post metal guitar interlude. 5/10

10. Following Betulas - Nice ending to the album. One of the more standard post metal songs. More upbeat than the rest. Great main riff, but it's a bit too long at times. 6/10

CONCLUSION: Saying that I'm not a big fan of post metal...and I actually liked this, it must mean these guys are doing something good. Maybe you'll like it even more if your into this stuff.

6.1/10

The Angry Scotsman This is an album that may not be fit for everyone. If you are really into mood, than this is great. For those that are more into music, this may be a bit difficult. However, there is music here as opposed to bands that sacrifice music entirely for the sake of atmosphere, Sunn O))) being a prime example. The music on this album is heavy! This should not be a surprise considering the band has 8 members and 3 guitarists! Like an orchestra of metal, they belt out some crushing music. However, this album is more than pure heaviness. In fact much more. Owlwood, for example, alternates between sections of varying crush, to a great pinnacle, before ending on a very melodic note.

Eternal Kingdom picks up there and continues on in true post metal fashion. With slow, long heaviness. Though there are some unique moments and actually the very start of the song is pretty groovy.

Ghost Trail is a truly awesome song. Starts off with some mellow and really cool guitar work. Put over a simple, yet neat, drum beat and slowly pile the heaviness on top of it. If one does not know, that is the epitome of this album, crescendo. It plays into the atmosphere, while the music itself it is decent, this album tries to transcend actual notes in order and instead create a soundscape. The crescendo nature of this song is a great example. As instruments become layered it adds power. Unlike a thrash metal band, it does not hit you like a wall. No, instead it builds, really makes you feel it more. Ghost Trail shifts to a more layered, heavy chord section which continues as guitar solos come in, they themselves becoming layered. Soon you have a wall of music with guitars beautifully weaving around each other, a simple, heavy bass riff underneath and a pure rhythm drum beat.

The second half of the song is really cool, as it shifts to slower, quieter and melodic. Really nice section and really cool drumming! Which was nice as thus far its been simple beat keeping and power. The heavy hits you again like a wall, and builds to the end until it reaches a frantic climax.

That is the best song on the album, and really nails the style. The rest of the album is like it, but thankfully does not all sound identical. Each song is of the same style, but are different. Quite different. There are actually 3 interludes which are a nice change of pace. I'm so used to an "interlude" being random noise and filler in between Tool songs! They are all nice, but Ugin is particularly lovely.

Adding to the atmosphere are the lyrics. This is something I oft ignore or forget, (metal head...sorry) but here they are a critical part to the soundscape. The lyrics deal with a man who murdered his wife. The lyrics are blasted at us in throaty, sonic explosions. They are delivered quite slow and really add another dimension. Even after looking them up, I still have some trouble understanding them frankly, but that's OK. When a song is near its climax, with 7 instruments blasting at once in a wall of sound, those cries are belted out and completes the feel. And the style is fitting, it is how I'd imagine the inner thoughts of a madman would be, swirling around his head.

So where do I stand? A powerful album, however one that is best experienced when laying down in the dark, really letting yourself absorb the music. Almost like it is to be meditated upon. This makes for limited listening, and is total "in the mood" music. Also, anyone who is not a fan of heavy or screaming should stay far away. Great music for when you are in a depressed mood. When you have all instruments playing at once and that mean screaming his soul out. It is like no other. Very powerful album. Perfect blend of crushing heaviness, and melodicism. The songs are structured well and the vocals are perfect. Excellent album.

Four and a Half Stars