adg211288
Vertikal II (2013) is an EP release by Swedish sludge metal act Cult of Luna. It is the conclusion (I guess best described as an epilogue rather than sequel) to the concept that the band began on prior full-length Vertikal (2013) containing three new songs as well as a remix (done by Justin K. Broadrick) of the song Vicarious Redemption. Despite containing just four tracks the EP is actually around the thirty-five minute mark, which is of course a good deal shorter than the average Cult of Luna album is but in terms of other artists I’ve actually seen full-lengths put out that are shorter than this.
The three new songs continue the sound from Vertikal and that was pretty much to be expected given the nature of this EP. Atmospheric sludge metal with some dedicated post-rock sections and electronic influence. The same excellent mix of atmosphere and heaviness is captured once again although I must admit there are no tracks that stand out here the way Vicarious Redemption did on the full-length. The best in my view is the middle of the three new ones, Light Chaser.
This brings me around to the remix of Vicarious Redemption. It’s not a bad track on its own but is certainly a pale shadow of the original version and does feel rather unneeded. The length has been considerably cut from 18:51 to 9:38 and just doesn't build up the same way as the original did, or have as much impact.
If you enjoyed Vertikal then I see no reason why Vertikal II should not be a priority purchase. One does wonder why the band didn’t push for a double disc release for Vertikal in the first place rather than release the last few songs some months later as this EP but whatever, a great album tier rating is deserved.
80/100
(Originally written for Heavy Metal Haven: http://metaltube.freeforums.org/cult-of-luna-vertikal-ii-t3191.html)