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LUPUS LOUNGE – Release Date: Out Now
An element of mystery has always been a helpful ingredient in any Rock band’s arsenal and no band has mastered the art of identity concealment better than Kiss, of course, but that has not stopped ‘young pretenders’ like Ghost and now the British progressive/eccentric Black Metallers A Forest Of Stars from following in their footsteps. Armed with Victorian pseudonyms and with much, much skill and passion, these fine English gentlemen have just released their third studio album entitled “A Shadowplay for Yesterdays”.
Exploring the music of a previously unknown band to me is always an enjoyable experience – when the band is as technically gifted and musically varied as A Forest Of Stars, it is even better. Though I have to admit initial failure to connect with this ten track concept album, a combination of perseverance and timing resulted in my gradual elevation from a passive observer to a passionate supporter of their work.
Though basically a Black Metal outfit at heart, this interesting musical ensemble are more than happy to incorporate elements of Prog Rock and Folk music in their compositions and their addiction to constant rhythmical manipulation made this concept album a thrilling musical offering.
The dark and atmospheric mood that is evident throughout this concept album is set up from the first notes of the narrative-style intro “Directionless Resurrectionist” and it is further enhanced by top quality violin keys, such as those on “Prey Tell Of The Church Fate”.
Many ideas originally featured in the music of Burzum and Cradle Of Filth are evident here and ensure that the epic-sounding “A Prophet For A Pound Of Flesh” is one of the stand-out tracks of the album, while great variation and emotional prowess characterises songs like “The Blight Of God’s Acre”, “Man’s Laughter” and “The Underside Of Eden” in equal proportions.
Though ‘blessed’ by a weird accordion intro, “Gatherer Of The Pure” evolves into a song with impressively challenging themes and paves the way for the Pink Floyd-sounding, violin infused melodies of “Left Behind As Static” – my favourite track of the album. The closing duet “Corvus Corona (part 1)” / “Corvus Corona (part 2) are only lyrically related as the former is dominated by a dramatic narrative while the latter lets instruments such as the bass, violin and piano do most of the talking instead.
By now it is not surprising to see a label like Prophecy Productions/Lupus Lounge investing in unusual and musically challenging outfits but I truly feel that they have really ‘struck gold” with A Forest Of Stars. In their debut with the German label, this English ensemble finds themselves to be very confident and truly on top of their game.
Fans of traditional Black Metal will probably have a fit as a result of some of the musical choices on offer here but, then again, an album like “A Shadowplay For Yesterdays” is not just for them – is for all of us who like honest, passionate and highly experimental music! Well done!
John Stefanis
Rating: ****1/2 (4.5/5.0)
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