Celestia – Apparitia – Sumptuous Spectre
Paragon Records – PGR-30022 – 2006
By Wayward_Son
Originally released back in 2002 by Full Moon Productions, Apparitia - Sumptuous Spectre received a limited release of only 2000 units, and was supposedly plagued with an improper mix. Having never heard the original version, this writer can make no comparisons. Courtesy of Paragon Records, fans are now able to hear Celestia’s lone full-length album the way the band wanted it to sound and at a much friendlier price than the original, which demands a rather hefty price on eBay and other capitalist websites.
With Sir Noktu being the songwriter and voice behind Celestia, the type of black metal presented here should come as no surprise to those already familiar with some of the other bands he currently lends his talents to. Coming across as Mortifera’s more aggressive, less depressive cousin, Celestia is almost as brilliant. Instead of morosity, Celestia focuses on a cold, romantic sound. Staying mostly within a comfortable mid-pace, Noktu is not afraid to turn up the speed when it is needed. It helps that the riffs he uses keep the songs interesting throughout the duration, as opposed to being bogged down by repetition. One thing that struck this writer that added another layer for this particular sound was the audible bass-lines. It seems bass is constantly forgotten or so buried in the mix that these types of bands do not realize they are leaving out a crucial element of making a good album a great one.
The one component that pushes Apparitia – Sumptuous Spectre well beyond being another forgettable black metal album are Noktu’s glorious melody lines. Reminding this writer of Hirilorn (another French act) or even Dawn at times, Celestia’s use of melody adds an ethereal, almost spiritual sensibility to the distorted wall of noise.
The vocals roar. The melodies soar. Faithful Reader, Apparitia – Sumptuous Spectre comes with this writer’s recommendation. Obtain it and be awakened.
Official Celestia Website
Official Paragon Records Website
Paragon Records – PGR-30022 – 2006
By Wayward_Son
Originally released back in 2002 by Full Moon Productions, Apparitia - Sumptuous Spectre received a limited release of only 2000 units, and was supposedly plagued with an improper mix. Having never heard the original version, this writer can make no comparisons. Courtesy of Paragon Records, fans are now able to hear Celestia’s lone full-length album the way the band wanted it to sound and at a much friendlier price than the original, which demands a rather hefty price on eBay and other capitalist websites.
With Sir Noktu being the songwriter and voice behind Celestia, the type of black metal presented here should come as no surprise to those already familiar with some of the other bands he currently lends his talents to. Coming across as Mortifera’s more aggressive, less depressive cousin, Celestia is almost as brilliant. Instead of morosity, Celestia focuses on a cold, romantic sound. Staying mostly within a comfortable mid-pace, Noktu is not afraid to turn up the speed when it is needed. It helps that the riffs he uses keep the songs interesting throughout the duration, as opposed to being bogged down by repetition. One thing that struck this writer that added another layer for this particular sound was the audible bass-lines. It seems bass is constantly forgotten or so buried in the mix that these types of bands do not realize they are leaving out a crucial element of making a good album a great one.
The one component that pushes Apparitia – Sumptuous Spectre well beyond being another forgettable black metal album are Noktu’s glorious melody lines. Reminding this writer of Hirilorn (another French act) or even Dawn at times, Celestia’s use of melody adds an ethereal, almost spiritual sensibility to the distorted wall of noise.
The vocals roar. The melodies soar. Faithful Reader, Apparitia – Sumptuous Spectre comes with this writer’s recommendation. Obtain it and be awakened.
Official Celestia Website
Official Paragon Records Website
