🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Cosmic Tranquility
Track 2: Empyrean Light
Track 3: Led Astray
Track 4: Displaced By Dark
Track 5: Bloodline
🎸 Album Review:
Dutch black metal outfit Lastera has returned with their highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Rapture To Ruin’, a mesmerizing and intense journey through the realms of cosmic mysticism and existential despair. Released on March 20th, 2022, ‘Rapture To Ruin’ is a five-track opus that showcases the band’s evolution and maturity since their debut release.
From the opening notes of “Cosmic Tranquility,” the album immediately immerses the listener in a sonic landscape that is both haunting and ethereal. The atmospheric elements combined with the raw aggression of the instrumentation create a sense of otherworldly beauty juxtaposed with darkness. The themes explored throughout the album touch upon cosmic introspection, the struggle between light and darkness, and the fragility of existence.
One of the standout tracks on ‘Rapture To Ruin’ is “Empyrean Light,” a track that exemplifies Lastera’s ability to seamlessly blend melodic passages with blistering black metal fury. The dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity keep the listener engaged from start to finish, while the haunting vocals add an extra layer of depth to the track. The atmospheric interludes in “Empyrean Light” evoke a sense of transcendence, as if the listener is being lifted into the celestial realms.
“Led Astray” delves into the theme of inner turmoil and spiritual conflict, with the frenetic drumming and dissonant guitar riffs creating a sense of unease and tension. The track builds to a crescendo of chaotic energy before descending into a haunting outro that leaves a lingering sense of unease.
On “Displaced By Dark,” Lastera showcases their ability to create a sense of foreboding and doom through their music. The relentless blast beats and jagged guitar work create a sense of urgency and despair, while the atmospheric elements add a layer of complexity to the track. The haunting melodies and tortured vocals combine to create a sense of impending doom that is both captivating and unsettling.
Closing track “Bloodline” serves as a culmination of the themes and motifs explored throughout ‘Rapture To Ruin’. The track weaves together elements of beauty and brutality, with cascading guitar melodies juxtaposed against pummeling drums and aggressive vocals. The haunting outro of “Bloodline” leaves the listener with a sense of catharsis and contemplation, as if they have just experienced a profound journey through the depths of the human psyche.
In comparison to Lastera’s debut album, ‘Rapture To Ruin’ shows a significant growth in terms of songwriting, production, and overall cohesion. While their debut album showcased the band’s raw potential and energy, ‘Rapture To Ruin’ demonstrates a more refined and focused approach to their craft. The band’s willingness to experiment with different textures and dynamics has resulted in an album that is both challenging and rewarding for the listener.
Overall, ‘Rapture To Ruin’ is a masterful display of Lastera’s artistic vision and musical prowess. The album’s intricate compositions, evocative atmospheres, and visceral performances make it a compelling listen from start to finish. With ‘Rapture To Ruin’, Lastera has solidified their position as one of the most exciting and innovative bands in the black metal scene today. This album is a testament to the band’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of their craft and exploring the depths of human emotion and experience.