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Frostmoon Eclipse – Rustworn [EP]

frostmoon eclipse – rustworn [ep]

Info

As one of Italy’s longest running Black Metal bands, with their roots dating all the way back to 1994, and having released quite an impressive string of albums and (split) EP’s it might be highly unlikely that you’ve never crossed paths with Frostmoon Eclipse. Their take on the Black Metal scene has always been somewhat unorthodox, at least for about the second half of their existence. While having their feet firmly in the Second Wave Black Metal, Frostmoon Eclipse always had something special going on. That is also, again, the case with their latest EP ‘Rustworn’ that was released earlier this year through Immortal Frost Productions.

This EP, that most likely has a role to as some sort of appetizer for a new record somewhere in the near future, serves us with two new tracks as well as three live songs that were recorded in 2018 in Italy. First the new songs, they are a logical continuation of the steps taken with their previous few release. Mostly mid-tempo Melodic Black Metal with a good sense of atmosphere, with slight dissonant guitars and tasteful progressiveness. It is the sometimes long drawn, almost Post Rock-like, melodic leads that give the songs that special mesmerizing atmosphere. Maybe not too unique, but it is executed really well and flows just naturally.

The bands’ core, consisting of guitarist Claudio Alcara and drummer Gionata Potenti, have increasingly proved to be tremendous musicians, with Potenti even propelling himself to international Black Metal fame as drummer for over a dozen active bands. But I think vocalist Lorenzo Sassi, in the band since 2000 already, deserves to be mentioned too, as his vocal range is getting more convincing over the years. His more standard Black Metal rasp is interspersed with semi-clean vocals, that blend splendidly together with the more sophisticated, progressive rock passages.

The live tracks are taken from their ‘The Greatest Loss’-album from 2016 and from the slightly older ‘A Ticket To Nowhere’ 7” EP from 2011. It might not bring much new to the table for those already being familiar with those earlier recordings, but it gives a good indication of how this band sounds in a live setting. The remarkably good sound is a plus, so these three tracks can be seen as a nice bonus to the two new tracks.

If this EP is indeed a harbinger of new material to come, then that’s something to look forward to. Not only for the Black Metal fan who was already involved with these Italians’ earlier work, but also for those who are not yet (too) familiar with the band. The current Black Metal climate seems increasingly suitable for Frostmoon Eclipse’ take on Black Metal.

Frostmoon Eclipse

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