Melodic black metal outfit Valdrin takes a bold step forward with their sprawling sophomore album, “Throne of the Lunar Soul.” Released in late 2023, this ambitious double-length effort showcases the band’s growth, weaving together blistering black metal aggression with captivating melodies and a touch of symphonic grandeur.
Fans of Valdrin’s previous work, “Two Carrion Talismans” (2018), will find familiar elements here. The foundation remains firmly rooted in the classic Scandinavian black metal sound, with vocalist Nachtgar’s chilling rasp leading the charge. However, “Throne of the Lunar Soul” expands on this formula, incorporating a wider range of influences.
The album’s strength lies in its ability to balance aggression and melody. Tracks like “Neverafter” and “Vagrant in the Chamber of Night” showcase Valdrin’s knack for crafting memorable riffs that burrow deep into the listener’s consciousness. These moments of melodic brilliance are counterpointed by bursts of raw black metal fury, creating a thrilling dynamic throughout the album.
Valdrin isn’t afraid to experiment either. “Holy Matricide” injects a welcome dose of traditional heavy metal grandeur, while the title track, “Throne of the Lunar Soul,” incorporates soaring choral elements and a tasteful guitar solo, giving the song an epic and triumphant feel.
However, the album’s greatest strength might also be its biggest weakness. Clocking in at over 70 minutes, “Throne of the Lunar Soul” can feel bloated at times. Some tracks, particularly in the second half, tend to meander, lacking the focus and intensity found on the album’s earlier offerings.
Despite this minor flaw, “Throne of the Lunar Soul” is a rewarding listen for fans of melodic black metal with a progressive edge. Valdrin’s willingness to push boundaries and experiment with their sound results in a captivating and often exhilarating experience.
Highlights: “Neverafter,” “Vagrant in the Chamber of Night,” “Holy Matricide,” “Throne of the Lunar Soul” (title track)
Overall: An ambitious and expansive double-length album that showcases Valdrin’s growth as a band. “Throne of the Lunar Soul” is a must-listen for fans of melodic black metal who crave a journey filled with both sonic aggression and epic beauty. However, some listeners might find the album’s length a bit excessive.
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