Sunday, March 4, 2012

Lunar Aurora - Hoagascht (2012)

Full Length, Cold Dimensions
March 2nd, 2012


Genre: Black Metal
Region: Germany

Lunar Aurora are influential in the black metal arena, much of that influence can be felt in the waves of atmospheric black metal that have emerged in the USA and Canada of late. They have done nothing but put out consistent, high quality ambient black metal since their inception in the '90's. Hoagascht is their first release in 5 years, their 9th full length album, and unsurprisingly it is proof that these cold Germans have continued this tradition and remain strong force in the genre.

Amongst the spoken "upper Bavarian" dialect and nocturnal animal, weather, or falling trees or rock samples that add depth to the glacial atmosphere the core of their sound is spellbinding ice-cold melodic riffs, scratchy and ancient croaking vocals, and subtle, extremely effective keyboards. Hoagascht does not deviate from their past releases sticking with the "don't fix what isn't broken" creed and no one would have it different here. Whether focusing on the celestial bodies or the unforgiving winter landscapes the music is always ethereal, their songs here as always run at perfect lengths and at an even clip — strong writing always touted. When not chilling you to your bones with breathtaking waves of mellifluous chords, buzzing pleasantly, heir melancholic keyboard interludes grab you tightly, enfolding you in a dark and dulcet mist.

Another win for Lunar Aurora. If you enjoyed their previous outputs then you'll be pleased by this one no question. I really should post Mond, Andacht, or any of their previous releases at some point. Until then check this out, and find out how to pick up a copy over at Cold Dimensions or Lunar Aurora's website.

DOWNLOAD (Mediafire)

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