Lustre “Reverence”

    The undeniably extraordinary one-man atmospheric/ambient black metal act, Lustre, allows listeners the opportunity to enter into a monumental sounding atmospheric realm with the release of the new digital EP titled, “Reverence.” After the Swedish based artist known as, Nachtzeit, graced us with a phenomenal full-length Lustre album last year called, “A Thirst for Summer Rain,” he has returned with more breath taking arrangements and haunting atmospheric musical landscapes. 

    Compared to, “A Thirst for Summer Rain,” this new digital EP explores different sounding elements that reminded of earlier Lustre recordings where the music is shrouded in a veil of tranquil darkness, while also giving off a very melancholy tone at times. The music freely flows through these forlorn sounding realms accompanied by some solemn yet extremely soothing melodies. I felt as though there was a tremendous amount of emphasis placed on the keyboard arrangements. Also, the track establishes a more celestially ambient feel at times compared to previous Lustre albums such as “Wonder” and “A Thirst For Summer Rain,” that seem to reflect and focus on ideas surrounding nature. The vocals provided by J.J. from Harakiri for the Sky add a unique touch to the overall composition, which definitely compliments the song’s spectral sounding tone. 

    This track reminded me a bit of past Lustre song’s such as, “Echoes of Transcendence” and “Lunar Light,” where the keyboard parts start off sounding very faint and distant, but eventually become more prominent as the music evolves. Once again, Nachtzeit is a brilliant composer and truly one of the most gifted minds in the world of atmospheric and ambient music. He really understands how to capture the listener’s attention by composing such immense as well as compelling soundscapes. Where some artists in this world get lost in a sea of generic and forgettable compositions, Nachtzeit is able to incorporate a plethora of creative ideas while keeping you engaged for the full twenty minutes during the song. 

    Overall, “Reverence,” is something that I would highly recommend checking out if you are a fan of Lustre and atmospheric black metal in general. For many years Lustre has gained constant recognition and praise from the atmospheric/ambient black metal community for the sheer amount of exceptional recordings. When you listen to a track from Lustre, you truly become possessed by the colossal sounding wave of raw distortion along with the gracefully dynamic keyboard compositions. If you’re ever looking for music to comfort you and to help you forget about all the chaos of everyday life, then any recording from Lustre is always a perfect choice. 

Check out the song "Reverence" below:

Lustre Bandcamp:

https://lustre.bandcamp.com/album/reverence

Top Ten Albums of 2022 / Rob "The Metal Guy" Awards

Well everyone, another year has gone by and it is now time for me to reflect upon all the releases that helped keep me from completely losing my sanity and turning into Mel Gibson circa 2006. I do believe that this was another solid year for rock and metal music, and although this type of music might not get featured on the TikTok, at least it isn't getting used by braindead bimbos doing moronic dances whose data is being monitored by the Chinese government. I always knew sorority girls would be the reason for America's downfall...Anyway, moving on before I rant any further, I need to thank all the hard working labels out there, especially the independent extreme music labels like Sentient Ruin, Shadow Kingdom Records and Hells Headbangers. Without these labels all of us fans would be struggling to get physical releases from our favorite artists. Gone are the days when you could easily go to a record store and buy albums. Where I live we do not have any record stores and the only place that seems to survive and not get turned into a housing development is the damn In-N-Out Burger! So I would like to thank all the bands and music labels, because without them we would all be suffering and 2022 would have been a complete disaster just like Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen's marriage...Alright then, here it is people, the Top Ten Albums list you all have been waiting for...

10. Low Moments “Picked Dead Last in the Dodgeball Game of Life” 

Some people might be scratching their heads wondering why I am including a synth/new wave band on my top ten list, but those people can just get over it and go throw a tantrum in their momma’s basement while listening to their kvlt black metal albums looking like a mix between Gaahl and a Juggalo. “Picked Dead Last in the Dodgeball Game of Life,” is a very enjoyable album, especially if you like ridiculous song titles and catchy synth wave music. One of the songs off of the album that I really liked was, “Asthmatic Around Ladies,” which is an amazing track and not simply because the title of the song had be laughing on the floor. The band perfectly captures that haunting melancholy like sound which reminded me of of bands like Joy Division, Depeche Mode and Bauhaus. I don’t know why young people spend so much time on that TikTok bullshit when they could be listening to this album.  

Link to my full review of the album :

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/04/low-moments-picked-dead-last-in.html

9. Project Pain “Faster Disaster” 

If you are a thrash metal fanatic then you definitely want to check this album out! Project Pain is a band that I have been covering for a decent amount of time now and the band’s most recent album, “Faster Disaster,” ups the ante in terms of ferocity and sheer brutal force. These metal musicians based out of the Netherlands capture that old school thrash spirit extremely well and the songs never sound gimmicky, or painfully repetitive. I just really enjoy how this band deals out some juggernaut sized riffs with massive amounts of raw energy.

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/10/project-pain-faster-disaster.html

8. Anticreation “From the Dust of Embers”

Anticreation’s debut album is a sinister offering and the band’s blackened death style is unfathomably insidious sounding. No surprise that they teamed up with Sentient Ruin for the release of this album, especially given the band’s devastating overall sound. From the ruthless arrangements to the hellish vocals that sound like a demon roaring from out of the abyss, Anticreation is a truly sadistic band. This is a group that I would definitely wish to see live someday, and I hope they keep releasing more merciless sounding releases.  

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/07/anticreation-from-dust-of-embers.html

7. Woods of Desolation "The Falling Tide"

Usually I start thinking about my top ten list around November, so very rarely will a band enter the list if they release an album in December, unless for some reason an album really catches my attention. Well, such was the case with the new Woods of Desolation album, "The Falling Tide." Over the years I have always respected Woods of Desolation, although I was never a diehard follower of the band. Still, I listened to this new album and was just down right impressed with the quality of the musicianship, the production and the album's haunting yet comforting sound. I've heard a lot of bands try and do this mix of black metal with post-metal elements, but they usually end up failing to really hook me in the end. I really felt that this album conveyed such raw and profound emotion from start to finish, which is why I highly recommend it. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/12/woods-of-desolation-falling-tide.html

6. Moonlight Haze “Animus”

Arguably one of the best new power/symphonic metal bands that I have heard in the last few years, and the band’s third studio album, “Animus,” is a phenomenal release. The songwriting, the production and just the pure rush of epic sounding emotion that the bands delivers on each track is truly exceptional. The band’s singer Chiara Tricarico is an amazing vocalist with an extremely profound devilry. Her vocals matched with the triumphant sounding compositions creates such powerful pieces of music. This is a band that I hope continues to rise with each new release and I do hope they get more recognition for their unbelievably impressive talents. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/02/moonlight-haze-animus.html

5. Black Fucking Cancer “Procreative Inverse”

Black Fucking Cancer is without question one of the most savage and sinister bands around, so I was extremely impressed with their brutal sophomore release, “Procreative Inverse.” Based out of San Jose, CA, the city where I was born, Black Fucking Cancer shows no mercy when pertaining to their hellish black metal sound. The amount of vile raw energy that can be heard throughout the album is astounding. Black Fucking Cancer offers up six blistering tracks of malevolent sounding destruction while also unleashing a blackened onslaught of punishing riffs. The band's dynamic approach to writing such vicious pieces of music makes this album a definite listen for anyone in search of a truly evil sounding release. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/03/black-fucking-cancer-procreate-inverse.html

4. Vanishing Amulet “Nocturnal Heritage”

For those of you who follow the blog, you know by now that I am a huge fan of dungeon synth. So when I heard Vanishing Amulet’s, “Nocturnal Heritage,” I was instantly hooked by the magnificent sounding atmospheres and haunting yet tranquil melodies. The album tells a captivating tale without using any lyrics by blending together these soothing ambient noises. The classic dungeon synth sound is prevalent for sure, although the album also features some very tranquil elements that gives the album this fantasy driven cinematic like vibe. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/08/vanishing-amulet-nocturnal-heritage.html

3. Eric Wagner “In the Lonely Light of Mourning”

This is a very special release and one that I appreciate every time I listen to it. Although Eric Wagner passed away last year, this album was able to be completed before his passing and serves as a farewell to all the diehard doom fans who cherished his contributions. The songwriting on this album is extremely deep and Eric’s ability to write such meaningful songs is on full display. Also, the musicians on this album who worked with Eric sound amazing, which is why this album was so refreshing to hear. Although Eric Wagner is no longer with us, I am glad that he was able to record this album as a farewell to all his fans and the music will live on just like all his other musical contritions that fans have come to hold in such high regard. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/02/eric-wagner-in-lonely-light-of-mourning.html

2. Assumption “Hadean Tides” 

Assumption’s, “Hadean Tides,” is a monumental release and one that extreme metal fans should definitely check out if they have not already. From start to finish this album pulls you into this behemoth sounding death/doom realm where you become completely possessed by the devastating riffs. These musicians hammer out some wicked sounding and also experiment with some mesmerizing sounds. Also, the drumming is utterly deafening throughout this release and adds so much to the band's cataclysmic style of songwriting. This album was without doubt the strongest release to be released on Sentient Ruin this year, which is saying something given the amount of great releases I reviewed from the label this year. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/04/assumption-hadean-tides.html

1. Lustre “A Thirst for Summer Rain” 

When I heard the news that Lustre was going to be releasing a new album this year, I was beyond excited and could not wait to hear it. I have been a fan of Lustre for many years, so this album was something that was highly anticipating. Titled, “A Thirst for Summer Rain,” I can honestly say that this album sonically is one of the best sounding Lustre releases. The production is exceptional and the compositions coney such powerful emotion. Nachtzeit, the creative force behind Lustre, is a true atmospheric black metal/ambient music genius and in my opinion he is one of the best modern composers around. When listening to Lustre I have always admired how much effort he puts into the arrangements. The new material from Lustre is simply flawless and I look forward to hearing how Nachtzeit can build off of the momentum from this most recent release. 

Link to my full review of the album : 

https://rockandmetaltemple.blogspot.com/2022/09/lustre-thirst-for-summer-rain.html

Rob “The Metal Guy” Awards

EP of the Year: Spectre "Omen" 

Split Release of the Year: Goathammer & Empty Chalice “From the Chalice of the Goat” 

Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Yellowcake 

Album Cover of the Year: Lustre “A Thirst for Summer Rain” 

Label of the Year: Sentient Ruin 

Biggest Douche of the Year: Sam Bankman-Fried that crypto scumbag who deserves to rot in jail

Lustre "A Thirst for Summer Rain"

    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:

https://www.nordvis.com/

Lustre "Another Time, Another Place (Chapter One and Two)"

    Celebrating a lustrous career of atmospheric black metal creativity, the one man band known as, Lustre, will be releasing two complication albums this coming March. Set for release on March 29th through Morrowless Music, “Another Time, Another Place (Chapter One and Two),” is an opportunity for fans to purchase some of the most immaculate recordings ever recorded by Lustre.

    The mastermind behind Lustre, Nachtzeit, continues to demonstrate his talents with each new release and over the years he has established a phenomenal discography. Lustre is a band that is highly regarded amongst the atmospheric black metal community to the where you hear quite a few bands releasing material that sounds very similar to Lustre. No matter how many come along that sound similar, at the end of the day Lustre’s music glistens in terms of sound and overall quality.

    Starting with, “Another Time, Another Place Chapter One,” the compilation features the never before released EP, “The Ardour of Autumn,” recorded in 2013 along with the band’s 2009 EP, “Welcome Winter.”  When listening to, “The Ardour of Autumn,” one can imagine themselves standing amongst a forest with yellow and orange leaves falling around them. Lustre’s music is a perfect example of taking sounds and creating these magnificent sounding atmospheres by effectively layering synth sounds to heighten certain emotions. In the background there is this faint wall of distortion which the keyboards seem to flow through and eventually develop into some strong melodic compositions.

    Another point to bring up is that the songs are not exactly short and the four tracks on this compilation average close to around ten minutes. Even with lengthy pieces of music, Lustre maintains focus by writing dynamic pieces of music that produce sounds to keep listeners intently engaged.

    The second compilation album, “Another Time, Another Place Chapter Two,” contains three tracks which are made up of the very first Lustre EP, “Serenity,” from 2008 and then, “A Spark of Times of Old,” which was originally released around 2013. I definitely find this EP to convey a more raw atmospheric black metal style. The song, “The Light of Eternity,” from the band’s debut EP, blends the harsher sounds of black metal style guitar with a mesmerizing synth melody, while the vocals cry out in agony over the instrumental arrangements.

    The next song from the first EP, “Waves of the Worn,” is a seven minute exploration through ambient sounding realms of calming synth. Wrapping up the album, “A Spark of Times of Old” is probably one of my favorite Lustre recordings and one of the band’s most ambitious pieces ever recorded. The overall production is absolutely brilliant along with the way that the song moves in such amazing synergy. You feel a sense of calmness with each sound and soon find yourself drifting away into an atmospheric world of endless wonder.

    Fans of Lustre and atmospheric black metal might want to mark their calendars, because I think these two compilations are great examples of musical genius and profound artistic expression. In a world where cheap and forgettable music is unfortunately very common, you really come to appreciate what Nachtzeit has been able to do over the years with Lustre. I hope Lustre continues to inspire artists on how they should approach their music and I hope Lustre keeps releasing new material for people to discover.



Lustre "The Ardour of Autumn" :

Morrowless Music:
https://morrowlessmusic.com/

Lustre Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/lustresweden/

Top Ten Albums of 2017

Where has the time gone? I feel like I just finished doing my top ten albums of 2016 list and now I am starting on my top ten albums of 2017 list. Once again, it has been an extremely busy year for rock and metal music with numerous releases coming out this year. 2017 was also a year full of major stories with some positive and some negative, but no matter what happened the new albums that were released this year provided a great chance to escape the bullshit. Whether it was ANTIFA shutting down a black metal show with false claims, or Gene Simmons of Kiss opening up his big mouth and offering an ignorant comment, 2017's hard rock and metal music did not disappoint. So enough babbling, here it is people, my top ten albums of 2017...

10. Domgård “Ödelagt”

    Swedish black metal act Domgård is well regarded in the black metal community and their sound stays very true to the traditional black metal style. After some years of not releasing new material it was great to see a new album from them. Their sound conveys a raw aggressive black metal attitude, but contains some bone chilling melodic black metal moments. The album also contains these dynamic arrangements with really unique tempo changes and massive atmospheric sounding touches. Overall, the album is a strong and engaging release that should definitely be added to ones collection.

9. Eldamar “A Dark Forgotten Past”

    Eldamar is a one-man atmospheric black metal act that captured my attention when I first heard their debut album, “Force of the Ancient Land.” I am glad to hear Eldamar continue all the elements and epic song structures from the first album on this new release. The music picks up where the last album left off and establishes itself as a unique journey through captivating atmospheric landscapes and heavenly choir like vocal sections. If you enjoy long epic pieces of atmospheric black metal you need to check out Eldamar. They also released an awesome split with Dreams of Nature this year, so Eldamar is extremely active when it comes to writing new material.

8. Game Over “Claiming Supremacy”

    I have reviewed quite a few releases from these Italian thrash metal maniacs over the years. Their new album once again demonstrates a group of enthusiastic thrash fans who seem to keep pushing themselves as musicians and songwriters. The choruses are catchy along with the solid arsenal of mosh forming riffs. Where their earlier albums felt more straightforward at times, the new album pushes into more progressive thrash boundaries. Game Over is definitely a thrash band to be reckoned with and one that I look forward to seeing grow even more with future releases.

7. Necrot “Blood Offerings”

    This Bay Area death metal trio did a tremendous job with the release of their debut full-length album. I reviewed a compilation album they released last year called, “Labyrinth,” and I was highly anticipating new music from them. The band has become a force to be reckoned with amongst the underground community by relentlessly touring their brand of gruesome old school death metal. Brutal cuts of bone sawing riffs and crushing drumming conjure up some killer headbanging opportunities throughout this release.

6. Rude “Remnants…”

    Rude has established themselves as a solid old school death metal worship outfit and the release of their sophomore album, “Remnants…” only verified what I already knew about these guys. There are some death metal bands who throw songs together claiming to sound old school, but Rude’s music actually sounds like something released from the late eighties/early nineties. The riffs grind away at your ears with an unholy terrorizing sound of old school death metal while being accompanied by monumental drumming to create vicious cuts of extreme music. I don’t think you can ask for anything more when it comes to good quality death metal.

5. Death of Kings “Kneel Before None”

    Death of Kings is a fierce and awesome bunch of metal musicians from Atlanta, GA. Their hard work paid off with the release of, “Kneel Before None.” The quality of wicked sounding riffs and head crushing pieces of brutal sounding thrash is definitely welcomed in a day when most bands sound like watered down versions of Slayer. Death of Kings did a great job injecting energy into the music and the album itself is well produced and well recorded. I hope to hear them continue to build off the success of how this album sounded on their future releases, because their talent is truly amazing.

4. Lustre “Still Innocence”

    Compared to previous Lustre recordings the new album, “Still Innocence,” is not as grandiose and has received criticism for not being as ambitious. I honestly felt the album offered a relaxing and very therapeutic sound that flowed with amazing synergy. The recordings capture your imagination, yet do not overwhelm you with too many unnecessary sounds. The album is one of those releases that I turn to when I want to escape and relax my mind. Lustre is one of those artists you can always rely on for solid release, so to those people bitching about the album…go chill out and maybe give it another listen.

3. Demonsmoke “Morphine Moonshine”

    I saw these doom metal musicians from Antioch, CA a couple years back play at a bar in Petaluma and literally destroy by laying down some unbelievably heavy sludge/doom riffs. When they released their debut album, “Morphine Moonshine,” I was blown away at how they were able to capture that raw destructive doom sound which I was fortunate to have witnessed live. These guys offer a strong selection of swampy distorted sounding tracks of pure doom with this album. There is not one weak song on the album and the overall production is quite amazing when comparing it to a lot of modern day metal releases. I really hope to catch them live again, because they put on one hell of a show.

2. Morbid Angel “Kingdoms Disdained”

    Released December 1 of this year, I honestly did not know if this album would even make the list. After the bands last release, “Illud Divinum Insanus,” was in my opinion a major disappoint, the band had a something to prove with the new album. Not only did the new album exceed expectations, but I think it is one of the heaviest and most unforgiving sounding releases to come out this year. Steve Tucker’s return was something I really looked forward to and Trey is back to being the death metal guitar master that we all know and appreciate. It is great to hear the band throwing down some pulverizing death metal which signals a new dawn of brutality. Just like when Tucker came in after “Domination” back in 1995, the band has the opportunity to unleash some more malicious sounding tunes moving forward. This new album is an extremely good starting point and was very close to being in my number one slot. 

1. Night Demon “Darkness Remains” : 

    When Night Demon released their debut album, “Curse of the Damned,” back in 2015, I had it as the number one album or my 2015 list. Two years later after relentless touring across the world and showing true dedication for the music that they enjoy playing, the band has returned to the number one spot for 2017. Their sophomore album, “Darkness Remains,” continues the exciting and solid NWOBHM style you heard on “Curse of the Damned,” with more epic sounding riffs and catchy lyrical content. You cannot find a dual moment on the album, which I contribute to the band’s strong songwriting skills. Songs like “On Your Own” and “Dawn Rider” completely tear through your speakers with a heavy metal fury of blistering guitar work and thunderous old school metal rhythms. All hail the Night Demon! 

Honorable Mentions:

Petrification “Summon Horrendous Destruction”

Iron Griffin "Self-Titled EP” 

Mournful Cries “Three Song Demo”

2017 Rob “the metal guy” Awards 

Up and Coming Artist of the Year: Mournful Cries

Metal Label of the Year: A tie between “Sentient Ruin” and “Nordvis”

Come Back Artist of the Year: Morbid Angel

Best Live Act/Performance of the Year: Barren Altar 

Best Split album of the Year: Eldamar / Dreams of Nature 

Biggest Douche of the Year: tie between “Gene Simmons” and “Otep”  

Most Pathetic Group of People in the World: ANTIFA 

Lustre "Still Innocence"

    In a growing world where people will build housing developments without any consideration for the natural world, Lustre’s new album, “Still Innocence,” is an offering of sound to remind listener’s of the majestic powers of nature that we should appreciate more often.

    Lustre is a name in the world of atmospheric black metal that many fans have come to admire and consider to be one of the most innovative acts around. Whereas Summoning takes listeners away to the lands of Middle Earth, Lustre takes listeners on a journey through the natural world in vivid dreamlike fashion. The sole mastermind behind Lustre, Nachzeit, has established himself as one of atmospheric black metal’s most creative composers whose catalog is vast and full of impressive releases. “Still Innocence,” marks the Swedish based musicians 6th studio album and continues to explore the spiritual sounding synth landscapes of atmospheric brilliance.

    As with all Lustre recordings, you find yourself letting go of this modern world’s chaos and becoming one with the sounds of soothing atmospheric wonder. The drum arrangements matched with the main keyboard parts construct such an uplifting and harmonious sound. Opening the album, “Dreaded Still,” serves as the introduction to what will become a journey through the atmospheric sounding world given to us by Lustre. The next song, “Nestle Within,” brings about a sense of innocence amongst the cathartic musical environment.

    Where I live Fall is just beginning and the song, “Let Go Like Leaves of Fall,” happens to be a great soundtrack for the season. The overall tone is relaxing, cosmic and layered with solemn sounds to fill your ears. I highly recommend listening to the song while out for a hike, because you might feel a special connection with the natural world around you.

    Track number four, “Reverence Road,” is a longer piece that utilizes more guitar sound to create a wall of distortion that the keyboard follows along to with a trail of melodic notes. Lustre is known for writing long piece of music which contain many different layers and atmospheric structures. However, I would consider this track to not match up with some of my favorite Lustre songs such as “Amongst the Trees,” and “Echoes of Transcendence.” For this album though I do believe, “Reverence Road,” is a solid song when relating to the album’s overall theme.

    The final song, “Without End,” is yet another splendid piece of glorious sounding atmospheric music. You feel a sense of positive closure after an album that took you away from the insanity of a modern world so hellbent on forgetting that without nature our planet will become a massive heap of garbage.

    In the end Lustre once again brought to life the beauty of nature through atmospheric sounding compositions. Is this the greatest Lustre album to date? Open for debate of course, but I will say that this is one of the most well produced and enjoyable albums to come out this year. I believe from start to finish that if you enjoy atmospheric black metal, you will be intently listening to this therapeutic work of outstanding musical talent.


Preview Lustre "Nestle Within" below:

Make sure to order your copy of the album through Nordvis Produktion:
https://www.nordvis.com/