This is the debut album from solo Norwegian black metal band Fellmoon.
Fellmoon contains 41 minutes of atmospheric/symphonic black metal. Divided into four tracks that mirror the phases of the moon, Fellmoon is a blackened hymn to the lunar cycle.
The artist behind Fellmoon attacks his material with cold fury and magisterial hostility. Coupled with this aggressive approach is an ambient layer that is both apart from and entwined with the spiky foundational style. The blackened distortion here is harsh and grim, yet the sea of liquid synths are spectral and strangely enticing. It’s a combination that works well for Fellmoon, a beauty and the beast of sorts, albeit ones that are intrinsically linked.
The style is old-school and frozen, yet also shows a modern influence here and there, such as in the dark touches of dissonance that occasionally help sculpt parts of the icy blackness. The atmospheric soundscapes that are chiefly crafted by synth and piano are compelling and immersive. The rest of the instruments also contribute to the music’s overall feel, obviously, but the sharp, jagged sound of the harsh guitars and acidic vocals are mood-focused in a different way to the symphonic aspects.
Raw and esoteric, Fellmoon is a satisfying and enjoyable underground black metal album that should find favour with many connoisseurs of the dark arts.
I belatedly discovered that this first came out in 2022, but never mind, as it’s now getting a rerelease via Bandcamp below, with an extra song that wasn’t included the first time around.
Highly recommended for fans of the style.
Wonderbox Metal 