In the world of atmospheric black metal and ambient music, there is one artist who has become almost synonymous when referencing this particular style of music. Lustre’s impact and influence amongst the atmospheric black metal community is truly astonishing. Nachtzeit, the musical mastermind behind Lustre, has continued to display exceptional creativity with each release. This new Lustre release titled, “A Thirst for Summer Rain,” is yet another majestic and captivating offering of atmospheric black metal, yet ascends to even greater sounding heights.
Ever since the early days of Lustre, people have come to respect Nachzeit’s passionate drive and brilliant work ethic. I think what makes this new album so unique and profound is due to the collaboration between Nachtzeit and Buster Odeholm. In my opinion, Buster’s mixing and mastering skills perfectly capture Nachtzeit’s vision and the arrangements flow with such mesmerizing elegance. The melodies are almost bewitching at times as the notes guide you across this monumental sounding lush musical realm.
Even though the album on features four tracks, one must realize that Lustre is more about quality than quantity. Also, each song averages around eight minutes, so within that amount of time you are presented with a plethora of breathtaking arrangements. On the first track, “Quiescence,” the sounds of the opening melody are very vibrant and move with a graceful synergy. Just like with past Lustre releases, the triumphant nature of the music creates an unbelievable tale without using any lyrics. Each note, each melody and each burst of distortion, all comes together to allow the listener the opportunity to let their imagination wonder amongst the epic atmospheric landscape.
Track number two, “Faith,” is yet another splendid sounding piece of music featuring spectacular examples of how to incorporate dynamic structures and a variety of tempos. A specific example would be the ending piano part which I felt did a great job wrapping up the track by bringing you down after the more grandiose sounding arrangements during the beginning of the song. Actually, track number three, “Thirst,” might be one of the more bombastic sounding pieces on the album, especially the way the drum and guitar parts build up this tidal wave of thunderous noise that eventually fades away to setup some more harmonious keyboard melodies.
On the final song off of the album, “Alleviation,” I thought Nachtzeit did very impressive job wrapping up the album, while also finding a way to bring back and tie together some of the instrumental themes heard on the pervious tracks. What stood out the most to me during the song was when I heard the sounds of rain coming down, because the way that the noises were woven into the music was perfectly executed. Lustre’s music has always drawn influence from the world of nature, which is why at times the music makes you feel as though you are traveling across a world untouched by modern construction and mass development.
As much as I have enjoyed past releases from Lustre, I have to admit that the approach and overall sound on this release was without question taken to an even greater level. “Wonder,” is still my favorite album from Lustre and probably one of my all-time favorite releases, however, in time I believe, “A Thirst For Summer Rain,” might be an album that fans hold in high regard as well. If you are looking for an amazing atmospheric black metal album to check out, then this album is a must listen. Just like refreshing rain after months of abysmal heat, Lustre provides us with some atmospheric black metal salvation to relax our minds and escape the harsh confines of this hectic modern world.
Check out the full album below:
Lustre Bandcamp:
https://lustre.bandcamp.com/album/a-thirst-for-summer-rain
Nordvis Records Website:
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