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Here's two mp3's and a review i wrote for the album. Perhaps we'll get one more person into em
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HGE857ZB
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XSEEK00O
Chaos Moon - Languor Into Echoes, Beyond
Chaos Moon, hailing from Tennessee, have come out with the surprise of the year for me. I really don't know much background on this band, only that they released one EP in 2004. This album 'Languor Into Echoes, Beyond' is supposed to be the counter album to another album 'Origin of Apparition' also released in 2007. 'Languor' was the first thing i had heard from the band, and needless to say i'm extremely impressed.
The music that Chaos Moon makes could broadly be called atmospheric black metal. It's much more than that though, as i will attest to throughout the review. On the surface the band mixes great riffs with shrieking vocals and depending on the song, syth/keyboards. The first track is a faster paced number with speedy riffs, howled vocals and a dark middle section. The band does not throw every- thing at you on this track, instead opting more for a straight forward approach. The next track is similar with more speedy riffing and a fast pace. At around one minute an absolutely godly riff comes out of nowhere, reminding me somewhat of French black metal. That is a comparison that can be made for 'Languor'; the riffing on this album sounds similar to something that would come out of that scene. In my mind, French black metal is some of the best in the genre, and the riffs are so damn good. Sounding original, sinister, warm yet always melodic, they cut right through you. Chaos Moons riffs are of this variety and it elevates their music to a much higher level. Another blazing number, 'Waning' is the third track of the album. After around thirty seconds we get another riff coming in that has that melancholic edge to it. Blasting drums and howled vocals complement the song. Not many bands are able to take a three minute song and make it sound so epic, but they're able to.I don't want to name drop too much in this review, but its a quality Abigor did well in their day. This song ends with some sparse clean guitar, and in my mind ends the first part of the album.
'Simulacrum Of Mirrors' at fourteen minutes, is the longest track on the album. It stands alone as the mid point of the album, and divides the style between the earlier tracks and last three. Beginning with some keyboards, the guitars soon make their appearance. As opposed to the earlier tracks, the keyboards take a much more prominent role from here on. The bass can also be heard, rumbling along with the keyboard. More quality riffs abound, countering the rasped vocals. The music takes a more atmospheric tone here, and highly is introspective. The keyboards drench this song in a mysterious and ethereal sound. At around six minutes, the music stops and a movie sample can be heard. From i understand they're from Memento. I have not seen it myself, but i've heard it is quite the ambiguous film. Serene synths carry the song for awhile until the next sample:
"I don't even know how long she's been gone. It's like I've woken up in bed and she's not here... because she's gone to the bathroom or something. But somehow, I know she's never gonna come back to bed. If I could just... reach over and touch... her side of the bed, I would know that it was cold, but I can't. I know I can't have her back... but I don't want to wake up in the morning, thinking she's still here. I lie here not knowing... how long I've been alone. So how... how can I heal? How am I supposed to heal if I can't... feel time?"
Synths bathe the listener one last time before the track comes to a close. We move to the last portion of the album starting with 'The Palterer.' Although it starts off as a speedy affair much like the earlier tracks of the album, eventually it spirals out into a slow section. With clean guitars and keyboards, this is a very tranquil and trance inducing section. It feels like you're floating above the clouds, weightless with not a care to speak of. Lethargic strums give way to a synth break only to be pulled back into chaos once again. It is a great transition, and Chaos Moon pull it off effortlessly. This song reminds me a little of the American band Nachtmystium, especially on their last album. 'Hymn To Iniquity' continues on this path of atmospheric black metal.The music flows calmly like its passing you by. The riffs and keyboards have a stunning beauty to them. Soon all the instruments fade out except a keyboard, playing a radiant melody. The guitars come roaring back riding along side the melody for awhile before dropping out of the chase again. Right before the song ends, the vocals make their intentions heard for one last time. This is an amazing track and it shows what Chaos Moon are capable of.
The final track of the album is also probably the best. 'Countless Reverie In Mare' starts with keyboards playing along with guitars before the opening shriek comes in. The keyboards play a bouncy melody in the backround while the guitars sing sadly. The beautiful keyboards eventually come to the forefront for a minute before being joined again by harsh vocals. I mentioned the French scene earlier in the review, and i must bring it up again. At around three minutes, the song goes into a bridge that sounds like the best moments of Alcest's 'Le Secret.' This is why i listen to music, that riff right there. That riff is life flashing before your eyes. That's the hope, despair, joy of every moment you're alive. When i hear that riff i can't help but draw breath it's that beautiful. The song glides through a few more movements before ending again on that perfect riff. There's really nothing more that needs to be said about this track. 'Countless Reverie In Mare' is simply a stunning song.
In summing things up, Chaos Moon deliver everything i want out of Black metal. The album is full of music that has darkness, melancholy, hope and beauty. Everything is just about perfect on this album, and i'm so glad i discovered it. This is what keeps me coming back to this type of music.
