Angel Witch is the first band that comes to
mind when listening to Lunar Shadow’s first full-length album, particularly
2012’s As Above, So Below. The German group utilizes the NWOBHM greats’ melodic
twin guitar approach and their vocalist even has an unpolished tenor delivery
similar to that of Kevin Heybourne. There is also strong power metal influence
in the band’s triumphantly upbeat tempos throughout as well as possible
elements of prog in the songs’ elaborate structures and six to nine minute
runtimes.
But rather than serving as mere traditionalist
fanservice, these old school sensibilities also keep the band’s other
influences from making the songs too incoherent. A slight folk undercurrent
runs through the album as several tracks feature smoothly intertwining acoustic
guitar flourishes, ultimately culminating in the minstrel balladry of “Gone
Astray” and “Earendeil (Gone are the Days).” In addition, “The Hour of Dying”
throws in some black metal influence in the form of tremolo riffs, blasting
drums, and a few harsh vocal intrusions.
With all this going on, the album may be a bit
much for some to take in. While there isn’t a single bad song on here, eight
songs with so much going on can be an exhausting listen, especially during the
second half. The album may have been better rounded if the band had cut off a
track or two. In addition, the production makes the drums and bass sound rather
distant and the vocals will likely be an acquired taste.
Overall, Far From Light showcases Lunar Shadow
as an ambitious group combining familiar tropes across various metal subgenres
to create one of the more unique debuts out there. While fans of traditional
and power metal will likely be the ones most attracted to this release, its
diversity should endear itself to just about any metal fan out there. With any
luck, they could create a more accessible effort that puts them at the
forefront of the modern metal movement.
Highlights:
“Hadrian Carrying Stones”
“They That Walk the Night”
“Frozen Goddess”
“Gone Astray”
“Hadrian Carrying Stones”
“They That Walk the Night”
“Frozen Goddess”
“Gone Astray”
Final Grade: A-
