LUNAR AURORA — Elixir of Sorrow (review)

LUNAR AURORA — Elixir of Sorrow album cover Album · 2004 · Atmospheric Black Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Wilytank
After skimming over Lunar Aurora's discography, I can safely identify two separate eras for the band. The first era placed a lot of emphasis on keyboards to make some pretty interesting symphonic black metal. The other era is more of a depressive, atmospheric black metal tone. Keys are still there, but they've been re-purposed as a secondary part of the music. 'Elixir of Sorrow' seems to be a mixture of the two eras, and it is this album that I shall write my first review for this band.

The thing that sets this album apart from all the ones before it is the guitars. The production is much clearer, more melodic, and has a more noticeable second layer of guitar. It's a big change from 'Ars Moriendi' where the guitars were much more raw and the keys were really prominent. Here in 'Elixir of Sorrow', the guitars are the prominent instrument. The keys still exist enough on here for me to call this symphonic black metal, but they fit more comfortably in the role of a supporting instrument. I kinda like them better like this. They compliment the new guitar style quite well, especially since they keep a spacey, atmospheric tone but fit into the more depressing feel of the album like a glove.

I see 'Elixir of Sorrow' as a conceptual work of melancholy, and the sorrowful lyrics fit right in. 'Ars Moriendi' tried the concept as well, but it didn't really hold up as well due to its more bombastic approach with the keyboards. The extra layer of guitar in 'Elixir of Sorrow' does do the theme justice as well. It definitely makes the music's atmosphere deeper thus making the depressive tone much more welcome.

Despite there only being five real tracks, 'Elixir of Sorrow' is a very filling experience. Of course, having two songs that exceed 10 minutes in length may have helped. Saying that doesn't do them justice though as "Augenblick" and "Hier und jetzt" are some of the best songs on the album. All the other songs are great too though, and "Elixir of Sorrow" is definitely one of Lunar aurora's best albums. Definitely a smart choice for the black metal enthusiast.
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