It’s been a long time since we have heard anything from Cult of Luna. Perhaps more so even than genre progenitors Isis and Neurosis, Cult of Luna have been the critical standard for atmospheric sludge based heaviness over the last decade and more. Their last three releases in particular, the epic 'Salvation', the crushing 'Somewhere Along the Highway' and the brooding 'Eternal Kingdom', have won unanimous praise from pretty much everyone who has ever heard them.
A gap of five years between releases, however, has meant that 'Vertikal' arrives with something of a point to prove. The band has not undergone substantial line-up changes. Vocalist Klas Rydberg may have departed but the vocal presence of guitarists Johannes Persson and Fredrik Kihlberg means his departure is barely noticeable. Certainly when 'I: The Weapon' kicks in after a brief intro track, the last thing on your mind will be who is actually behind the ferocious growls. It’s a barnstormer of a track that, in some ways, harks back to their earliest, more hardcore infused, material and, after a fashion, also hints at some of the subtle differences that 'Vertikal' has to offer its listeners.
Based loosely around Fritz Lang’s sci-fi classic of the screen 'Metropolis', 'Vertikal' sees Cult of Luna taken on a more mechanical, inhuman persona on record than ever before. The synths and electronics that have previously gently infused their sound in the past take a more prominent role than ever here. Nowhere is this more obvious than on the mammoth nineteen minute 'Vicarious Redemption'. The world has been waiting for a post-metal band to include a dubstep breakdown in one of their tracks for years, even if it doesn’t know that it has. A little over halfway through 'Vicarious Redemption' Cult of Luna end our curiosity, and thankfully it doesn’t sound contrived or pretentious. Just to prove that they can integrate anything into their sound with the greatest skill imaginable, they then go on to provide a soaring post-rock section before getting on with the heavy business.
Following 'Vicarious Redemption' the band choose to play with dynamics even further. Ambient interludes are common here but, whilst they are a cliché in less skilled hands, here they are essential to retaining the continuity of the record. By the time 'In Awe Of' arrives and crushes any remaining doubters into submission, Cult of Luna have taken their listeners on a different sort of journey to previous records, but one that is no less powerful or imaginative. Closer 'Passing Through' acts as a cleanser, a subdued, contemplative, final track that provides a clearly defined, perfectly judged, full stop to proceedings.
With 'Vertikal', Cult of Luna have not only proved any remaining doubters wrong. They have also reinvigorated their own creative zeal. Bands used to critical acclaim often struggle to live up to the reputation they have built for themselves, but clearly Cult of Luna have no such problems. Rather than be sucked down by the weight of expectation they have taken their time with a release that proves their greatness. In fact it pretty much promotes them to legendary status already. An unstoppable band at their incredible best.
'Vertikal' is out on 28th January via Indie Recordings. Keep your eyes peeled for further Cult of Luna coverage on Stereoboard.
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A gap of five years between releases, however, has meant that 'Vertikal' arrives with something of a point to prove. The band has not undergone substantial line-up changes. Vocalist Klas Rydberg may have departed but the vocal presence of guitarists Johannes Persson and Fredrik Kihlberg means his departure is barely noticeable. Certainly when 'I: The Weapon' kicks in after a brief intro track, the last thing on your mind will be who is actually behind the ferocious growls. It’s a barnstormer of a track that, in some ways, harks back to their earliest, more hardcore infused, material and, after a fashion, also hints at some of the subtle differences that 'Vertikal' has to offer its listeners.
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