Cult of Luna
The Beyond
Earache 2003
By Nathan Pearce
Dense, crushing music has really started to create a following in the United States. Maybe its because were so fat, and we have to try to find something to make us feel thinner and more fragile. Neurosis started the trend quite a few years ago. Isis eventually followed, and, in the process, created 2002s most breathtaking album. This year Cult of Luna wants a piece of the pie. But this time, the dense, crushing music wont come from a piece of the American pie.
Cult of Luna hail from Scandinavia where the metal has been known to be melodic, black, or to have blonde hair. Dont hold your breath for more of the same. Cult of Luna will, unfortunately, be compared quite heavily to Neurosis and Isis. They create slower, more dynamic music that cant always be easily classified by the word metal. Cult of Luna simply crushes the listener from start to finish.
To call The Beyond the most original album of 2003 would be lying to you. Influences from the above mentioned heavy hitters (especially Neurosis) are all over this album. Cult of Luna relies on their song writing to keep the listeners attention. Each song absolutely punishes the listener with amazing dynamics, massive riffs, and a vocal battering that relies as much on brutality as it does on subtlety.
If youre looking for a Neurosis clone, dont waste your time. Cult of Luna has plenty to offer that they can call their own. With the band still being in their infancy, I expect even greater things in the future. For now, fans of massive, dense, and dynamic music, step right up and buy your copy. Cult of Luna is sure to please almost anybody into the more introspective side of extreme music.
8.5/10
www.cultofluna.com
www.earache.com
The Beyond
Earache 2003
By Nathan Pearce
Dense, crushing music has really started to create a following in the United States. Maybe its because were so fat, and we have to try to find something to make us feel thinner and more fragile. Neurosis started the trend quite a few years ago. Isis eventually followed, and, in the process, created 2002s most breathtaking album. This year Cult of Luna wants a piece of the pie. But this time, the dense, crushing music wont come from a piece of the American pie.
Cult of Luna hail from Scandinavia where the metal has been known to be melodic, black, or to have blonde hair. Dont hold your breath for more of the same. Cult of Luna will, unfortunately, be compared quite heavily to Neurosis and Isis. They create slower, more dynamic music that cant always be easily classified by the word metal. Cult of Luna simply crushes the listener from start to finish.
To call The Beyond the most original album of 2003 would be lying to you. Influences from the above mentioned heavy hitters (especially Neurosis) are all over this album. Cult of Luna relies on their song writing to keep the listeners attention. Each song absolutely punishes the listener with amazing dynamics, massive riffs, and a vocal battering that relies as much on brutality as it does on subtlety.
If youre looking for a Neurosis clone, dont waste your time. Cult of Luna has plenty to offer that they can call their own. With the band still being in their infancy, I expect even greater things in the future. For now, fans of massive, dense, and dynamic music, step right up and buy your copy. Cult of Luna is sure to please almost anybody into the more introspective side of extreme music.
8.5/10
www.cultofluna.com
www.earache.com
