Typically, I’m not one to really get into reissues or re-releases. But, like with many things, there are plenty of exceptions to most every rule, and today I’ve found mine when it comes to reviewing reissues, and that has much to do with the band in question: Mare Cognitum. This one-man band has been a wrecking force in the black metal scene for over six years now, and it’s as good a time as any to reflect! Hence, Mare Cognitum’s debut record is finally getting a CD release with a shiny new cover art to boot! And six years later, it’s still a staple of the modern scene of atmospheric black metal.

Normally, you’d expect a reissue/re-release to also include the album in question to be remastered, rerecorded, remixed or any combination of the three. But that’s not the case with “The Sea Which Has Become Known” as Mare Cognitum has decided to preserve the spirit of the original recordings, and that’s not something we see often. Yet, it still works as people like myself who hadn’t yet listened to “The Sea Which Has Become Known” can see the first steps that Mare Cognitum was taking, and it’s very easy to become lost in these celestial cesspools that continue to writhe and seethe in their ethereal nature even six years after their inception. After listening to the album, it’s very clear to see how Mare Cognitum has taken the path he has as it’s littered with talent, dedication, and creativity that has breathed new life into atmospheric black metal and given the community something genuine to look forward to. The howling vocals, unorthodox instrumentation at times, aggressive attitude, and unforgettable atmosphere comes together perfectly as Mare Cognitum lays down the foundation for what cosmic black metal would become: nothing less than outstandingly grand and a force to be reckoned with!

“The Sea Which Has Become Known” hasn’t waned in power a single ounce over time, and such retrospective can be truly precious when viewed correctly. If this sort of thing is any sign as to what Mare Cognitum will produce in 2018 after a barren 2017 (moving to a new house is fun) then I’m more than ready to bathe in the supernova yet again with this man at the helm, and I’m positive that thousands of others will join me in this unique euphoria.

“The Sea Which Has Become Known” releases on CD via I, Voidhanger Records on January 19th!

LISTEN to “The Sea Which Has Become Known” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Mare Cognitum on Facebook here.