Review Summary: 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.
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”
Originally published at http://psychicshorts.blogspot.com
