CULT OF LUNA — Eternal Kingdom (review)

CULT OF LUNA — Eternal Kingdom album cover

Album · 2008 · Atmospheric Sludge Metal

3/5 · 2011-09-02
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