Astarium - Nekrocosmo Nocturnal Kali Yuga
Astarium is the brainchild of SiN who hails from Russia and has a prolific release rate spanning the last seven years or so as his fifth full length comes after a spread of singles, demos and an EP that followed 2013's "Atenvx".
The symphonic stylings are nothing new in black metal and granted the sub-genre offers the ability for creative musicians to develop a whole sound for themselves both artistically and musically. Opening with "Lyrian Selection" the symphonic elements are combined with a dark obsidian gothic lustre. The vocals offer a grim croak akin to the gothic genre but also possess some acrimony when required. However the general approach to the album feels artificial overall especially the drumming which I assume is programmed as it sounds like it. The keyboard layering is intertwined into the fabric of the songs and makes the songs sound tepid and lacking power as they sit so prominent in the mix.
Having listened to black metal for 25 years this release is barely going to scratch the surface of the genre today as an abundance of top quality melodic black metal bands either as full bands or solo projects make this release dissolve into the annals of history unnoticed. It is clear that SiN can write songs and play well enough to construct an album of varying textures, especially vocally, but the overall ethos is one of sterility due to the largely artificial delivery. I really found the keyboards difficult to take seriously especially on "Nemesis" which sound like the music to an 80s computer game on the Commodore 64 if anyone remembers that. Added to that programming the drums can be a real minefield as that synthetic sound is major pitfall for their use and here when the blast is initiated on "Ex Nihilo" it sounds ridiculous. Granted there are some decent riffs deployed on "Dance of The Agony" but I found this release wishy-washy, lacking passion and devoid of any soul.
I am certain however that some people will enjoy it for what it is but with so much top quality black metal whether melodic, symphonic or the true old school nekro style this is one that I have already forgotten about I'm afraid.
The symphonic stylings are nothing new in black metal and granted the sub-genre offers the ability for creative musicians to develop a whole sound for themselves both artistically and musically. Opening with "Lyrian Selection" the symphonic elements are combined with a dark obsidian gothic lustre. The vocals offer a grim croak akin to the gothic genre but also possess some acrimony when required. However the general approach to the album feels artificial overall especially the drumming which I assume is programmed as it sounds like it. The keyboard layering is intertwined into the fabric of the songs and makes the songs sound tepid and lacking power as they sit so prominent in the mix.
Having listened to black metal for 25 years this release is barely going to scratch the surface of the genre today as an abundance of top quality melodic black metal bands either as full bands or solo projects make this release dissolve into the annals of history unnoticed. It is clear that SiN can write songs and play well enough to construct an album of varying textures, especially vocally, but the overall ethos is one of sterility due to the largely artificial delivery. I really found the keyboards difficult to take seriously especially on "Nemesis" which sound like the music to an 80s computer game on the Commodore 64 if anyone remembers that. Added to that programming the drums can be a real minefield as that synthetic sound is major pitfall for their use and here when the blast is initiated on "Ex Nihilo" it sounds ridiculous. Granted there are some decent riffs deployed on "Dance of The Agony" but I found this release wishy-washy, lacking passion and devoid of any soul.
I am certain however that some people will enjoy it for what it is but with so much top quality black metal whether melodic, symphonic or the true old school nekro style this is one that I have already forgotten about I'm afraid.
- Lyrian Selection
- Nemesis
- Ex Nihilo
- Enigma (Part I)
- Dance Of The Agony
- Phaeton
- Strain Of Alastor
- Back To Katuar
Reviewer: twansibon
Oct 3, 2015
Oct 3, 2015
Next review:
Yellowtooth - Crushed By The Wheels Of Progress
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