Cult Of Luna - Eternal Kingdom (2008)

Eternal Kingdom, the 5th studio album from Sweden’s Post-Rock heavy weights, is a bizarre concept album based on the diary ‘Tales from the Eternal Kingdom’, kept by Holger Nilsson, a former prisoner, which they discovered in their rehearsal room, a run down mental institute. It’s a crazy cranial expedition into a madman’s fantasy land of Owlmen, Treemen and the Nacken, who he claims responsible for his wife’s death by drowning. Each song on the album represents a section of the diary, slowly telling the story. 

A heavier approach is taken to the album, reverting back to the Salvation days, but still in keeping with the more melodic elements that were common on the previous album, Somewhere Along The Highway. 3 interlude tracks (The Lure, Osterbotten and Ugin) help split up the album, a striking contrast in-between the heavier songs. Only one song breaking the ten minute mark, which is something Cult Of Luna tend to do, means each of the tracks is quick to make a statement, diving straight in with Klas Rydberg’s aggressive vocals placed perfectly within each song. 

Ghost Trail, the 3rd track, sees the song come to an end at 9.20, or so you are lead to believe, the slow fade out is a kind of trick and after a few seconds pause we are presented with a roaring scream and the song continues, a simply riff is played but gradually sped up, faster and faster until a sudden stop. My personal favourite track on the album and a treat live.

This has not disappointed me, and I had high hopes for the album. This band defiantly get better with age and are one to watch out for. The next release (early 2010) is set to be a book accompanied by a C.D all about the concept behind this album, something which I have no doubt will be a fantastic experience. 

Matthew Wright  

Sunn O))) - Monoliths & Dimensions (2009)

The 7th full length album from drone legends Sunn O))), Monoliths & Dimensions is a 4 track masterpiece. Featuring a host of collaborators, including Eyvind Kang, Oren Ambarchi, Jessika Kenney, Attila Csihar and Dylan Carlson, among others, the album is a perfect follow up to the 2006 Alter album. 

Opening track Aghartha provides you with exactly what you expect from Greg Anderson and Stephen O'Malley, the deep slow bass tones and grainy guitars. Half way through we are introduced to the almost terrifying vocals from Attila Csihar (Tormentor) who’s slow, almost speaking approach is combined with what can only be described as the eerie sound of creaking wood. 

Big Church (Megszentségteleníthetetlenségeskedéseitekért) the second track begins with a very different approach, a Viennese women’s choir, led by Persian vocalist Jessika Kenney, provides more intensity than conceivable. Reasonably short at only 9.43 minutes long the track is not a let down, escalating into various vocal parts over lapping, creating a feeling of unease. 

Hunting & Gathering (Cydonia) with its numerous guitar parts and thundering horns section, together with a full male choir, provides a crushing musical experience. One of the more distressing songs on the album.

This track leading straight into the final song Alice with its escalating beginning, taking almost 2 minutes to really begin. What we are greeted with then is a slow, yet very heavy underlying guitar sound, together with an almost beautiful horns section, both working together, the contrast of the two sounds leaves a lasting impression. Softly placed in the background we hear the sound of harps and a minimal percussion section, fading the song out, leaving you more than satisfied with the listening experience.  

Sunn O))) are always pushing the boundaries with their music and this is no different, a must have for any drone/noise fan, one album that will be at the top of my play list for a long time to come.  

Matthew Wright

Russian Circles - Geneva (2009)

The 3rd instalment from the Chicago based Post-Rock titans, an epic journey which leaves you craving for more. This long anticipated album is a cry from their previous 08’ album Station, this time we get the feeling of a more mature band, a band who have spent hours refining all the elements to create an album which I would describe as close to perfect. 

Tracks such as Melee combining the softer elements of snare rim shots with heavy distorted guitars works wonders and is something that is hard to find these days. The album climaxes with the 10.27 long Philos, a gradual journey through both the softer side and more aggressive elements of Russian Circles, reaching a peak half way through and slowly winding down, a fitting end to an album that is up there with my all time favourites

Matthew Wright 

Damnation Festival 2009

Leeds University Student Union was once again playing host to this years Damnation Festival 2009 and with a impressive line up yet again, this was setting up to be one special day. 

The day started out at the Terrorizer stage with the Australian Black Metal outfit Nazxul, for whom this was the first U.K appearance. Gracing the stage to the sound of an eerie backing track, they did not disappoint. Their raw sound of the low quality guitars mixed with impressive vocals made them a hit with the slowly growing crowd. This was a perfect start to a long day. 

Next over to the Rock Sound stage, where most of the bands I had come to see would be appearing. And So I Watch You From A Far, a band which I was not familiar previous, blew me away almost instantly. Their Post-Rock Instrumental take was a complete difference to Nazxul but not an unwelcome one. Their stage presence was an energetic one and the different contrasting elements of the songs made me eager to check them out on C.D. 

Electric Wizard, one of the reason I was very excited about the day, especially after their performance at Hellfest earlier in the year. This time venturing over to the main Jagermeister stage, to an already growing crowd I knew that I was not going to be disappointed. Opening with their infamous track Dopethrone it was apparent that this was going to be one loud performance. Their heavy riffs mixed with Black Sabbath esque doom elements and amazing vocals made their performance very special. They played four songs in total, Dopethrone, Dunwich, Satanic Rites of Drugula and Funeraloplis, a excellent end to one very loud and heavy show.

Making a hastey exit back down to the Rock Sound stage where the rest of the day would be held, I was excited to see A Storm Of Light a band which I had listened to previously on record and had high hopes. Disappointment was not something which I felt. Immediately the heavy but slow guitars and drums made it hard not to bang your head. Opening with the second track of their album And We Wept the Black Ocean Within, Vast and Endless, one of my favourite tracks. Playing to a packed room this is one band I would not turn down seeing again. 

Next up were This Will Destroy You, four bearded guys from Texas who once again I was very excited about after receiving their first full length self titled album. Opening with A Three-Legged Workhorse there sound was close to perfect. I knew instantly that this performance was not going to be one to miss. The flawless rendition of this song set the standard for the rest of the set. I was not by any means unhappy, hearing a few songs which I had never heard I knew exactly what I was going to be doing when I arrived home that night. The 45 minute set unfortunately flew over, I would of being very happy to stand and listen to them all night. The Post-Rock outfit are a must listen for any fan of this genre, highly recommended. 

Finally, Headlining the Rock Sound stage were Jesu one of my favourite bands at the moment. I had being looking forward to their set all day but unfortunately I was a little let down. Weather this was due to the technically difficulties lead singer Justin Broadrick was having or just not being their day. Never the less there were still some elements which sounded very good and all in all the performance was average. 

All in all the day was a success, and now looking forward to see what the Damnation team have in store for next year. 

Matthew Wright  

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