Aristarchos – Martyr of Star and Fire (Review)

This is the second album from Scottish black metallers Aristarchos.

Following on from 2021’s self titled debut, Martyr of Star and Fire brings us 33 minutes of new material. I’m still none the wiser as to whether Aristarchos is the product of a full band or just an individual, but either way, it’s a band that continues to progress and impress.

This new album takes the foundations laid down by its predecessor and builds upon them. Martyr of Star and Fire delivers a journey of atmospheric immersion and esoteric presence. Shot through with spectral melody, laced with daemonic aggression, and driven by the need to craft songs that give shape to a bleak, yet rich darkness, these songs have plenty to hold the listener’s attention.

The mood-based compositions focus on building vast soundscapes of blackened grandeur and sinister depth. Enriched with textured shading, the four songs offer up a blackened tapestry that’s as beguiling as it is absorbing. The music is professional, yet passionate and imbued with potent feeling.

Martyr of Star and Fire is the sort of album that grows in stature and otherworldly malevolence over time. I have to say, despite the debut album’s strengths, this new material is even better than what came before it.

Highly recommended.