Lunaris -
the infinite
Elitist 13th September 2002 MOSH903CD
By Russell Garwood
With the infinite, Lunaris provide more of the cutting edge, ground-breaking music for which Elitist records is fast becoming renowned. Described as intricate astral metal, the music is most closely related to black metal, with sporadic but apparent prog metal influences.
Formed in 1998, the founding guitarists M and Balfori (1349) soon recruited Azarak (Satyricon session and Spiral Architect) as a second guitarist after Balforis move to vocals. Ray, who is responsible for the keyboards, was the next member to join and Asgeir Mickelson of Borknagar fame played session drums for the bands first two demos. On the second of these, Spiral Architects vocalist, Maztema, was drafted in to perform clean vox, and soon became a permanent fixture as the bassist. After recording the infinite Janos of (V.E.G.A.) joined as a permanent drummer.
M and Azaraks dual onslaught is accurately and competently performed - at times the rhythm guitar rings of prog metal bands - while the technical solos and melodic riffs make for accessible (by Elitists standards) music. The bass is impressive, the original style complementing and underpinning the guitars, while Asgeirs drums are complex yet not overpowering. Maztemas clean vocals also fit well, providing a welcome relief from the black-orientated screeches of Balfori. Rays keyboards, while an elemental aspect of the bands sound, enhance rather than dominate.
My favourites on the infinite include si vis pacem, para bellum, which opens with a spoken passage and dark acoustic guitar before launching into a symphonic, blast-fuelled effort. of the one has fast keyboards/piano and numerous time and dynamic changes adding variety, while opener in the eyes of the heretic has catchy, memorable clean vocal lines. growth denied, with its clean vox and jumping guitars and keyboards, has to be the most proggy song on the album, and closing track soulcrush ensures your interest is held to the last second.
In conclusion, .the infinite is a well written, competently recorded album and while some more traditional fans may not appreciate their advances in metal, this is a must for all followers of cutting edge music.
Elitist 13th September 2002 MOSH903CD
By Russell Garwood
With the infinite, Lunaris provide more of the cutting edge, ground-breaking music for which Elitist records is fast becoming renowned. Described as intricate astral metal, the music is most closely related to black metal, with sporadic but apparent prog metal influences.
Formed in 1998, the founding guitarists M and Balfori (1349) soon recruited Azarak (Satyricon session and Spiral Architect) as a second guitarist after Balforis move to vocals. Ray, who is responsible for the keyboards, was the next member to join and Asgeir Mickelson of Borknagar fame played session drums for the bands first two demos. On the second of these, Spiral Architects vocalist, Maztema, was drafted in to perform clean vox, and soon became a permanent fixture as the bassist. After recording the infinite Janos of (V.E.G.A.) joined as a permanent drummer.
M and Azaraks dual onslaught is accurately and competently performed - at times the rhythm guitar rings of prog metal bands - while the technical solos and melodic riffs make for accessible (by Elitists standards) music. The bass is impressive, the original style complementing and underpinning the guitars, while Asgeirs drums are complex yet not overpowering. Maztemas clean vocals also fit well, providing a welcome relief from the black-orientated screeches of Balfori. Rays keyboards, while an elemental aspect of the bands sound, enhance rather than dominate.
My favourites on the infinite include si vis pacem, para bellum, which opens with a spoken passage and dark acoustic guitar before launching into a symphonic, blast-fuelled effort. of the one has fast keyboards/piano and numerous time and dynamic changes adding variety, while opener in the eyes of the heretic has catchy, memorable clean vocal lines. growth denied, with its clean vox and jumping guitars and keyboards, has to be the most proggy song on the album, and closing track soulcrush ensures your interest is held to the last second.
In conclusion, .the infinite is a well written, competently recorded album and while some more traditional fans may not appreciate their advances in metal, this is a must for all followers of cutting edge music.
