Labyrinthus Stellarum – Rift in Reality (Review)

Labyrinthus Stellarum are a black metal band from Ukraine and this is their third album.

Rift in Reality contains 37 minutes of engaging black metal with a sci-fi theme. Labyrinthus Stellarum play black metal that’s enhanced with electronic elements and extraterrestrial keyboards. Overall it’s a mix of melodic, atmospheric, and industrial black metal, although There are actually a few other styles mixed into the DNA of this too, including a bit of symphonic deathcore, to name just one.

There are a lot of hooks here. Rift in Reality offers up an infectious melodic feast of well-written songs that hit the spot. It’s epic and uplifting, while still having in places a blackened bite and a mournful edge. The songs are catchy and memorable, and walk the line between cosmic atmosphere and dancefloor-ready. The vocals consist of harsh snarls and frequently effect-laden clean singing. It’s sort of an unusual cross between …And Oceans, Children of Bodom, The Kovenant, Lorna Shore, Mesarthim, and Vorga. Labyrinthus Stellarum definitely have something of their own going on.

This kind of style can easily breed homogeneity across tracks, but thankfully that’s not the case here. Rift in Reality has more variety in paces, moods, and approaches than I was expecting after listening to the sparkling first song, and this works well for the album. The tracks flow well, taking the listener on a journey into a well-developed universe that’s vast and enticing.

For those that want something a little different, check this out. The music is a curious combination of old and new, resulting in something that’s otherworldly and very enjoyable if you’re in a certain mood. It won’t be for everyone, but then what is? Rift in Reality fills a very uncrowded niche in the extreme metal underworld, and I’d recommend Labyrinthus Stellarum to anyone who’s interested in music that effectively balances hooks and atmosphere.