Something that has become a cult phenomenon in the global black metal scene in recent years is the creation of cosmic black metal in all of its infinite mystery. It’s bands like Mare Cognitum and Spectral Lore that brought the style into the spotlight for many people, and thus came an absolute typhoon of people trying to capture their own piece of the stars. Much like with all music, there have been many, many attempts with only a few special acts that stand out. Lumnos has been a standout act, and their upcoming record only further cements their status.

One obvious trait about cosmic black metal that many people immediately think of when they try to envision the style is how incredibly atmospheric it all is because how else could you do a style centered around space itself? It’s the atmosphere where many bands can fall flat on their faces as they simply don’t handle it properly or can’t wield it with absolute power, but Lumnos has been going at it for years now so you’d think the band would have a solid grasp on it all, no? You’d dead-on as “Ancient Shadows of Saturn” is a damn near immaculate illustration of what it means to mold the harrowing void of space with the tempered power of black metal that’s performed with plenty of talent and fantastic precision. In every form, the five tracks of “Ancient Shadows of Saturn” are a magnificent display of brilliant prowess that shows the people behind Lumnos truly know what they’re doing to great effect as this record seamlessly shifts from a dimension-crossing entity made purely from the black metal to a euphoric sensation of floating through nebulae as the atmosphere immerses you in something truly special.

So many different bands have tried their hands at cosmic black metal, but it hasn’t been since the last Mare Cognitum album that I’ve seen this style done to great effect. Lumnos truly knows how to deliver with a very demanding style with jaded fans, and I’ve no doubt that “Ancient Shadows of Saturn” will satisfy as it’s a pure trip of ecstasy around Saturn’s rings you’ll want to revisit time and again.

“Ancient Shadows of Saturn” releases on February 26th via Flowing Downward!

LISTEN to advanced parts of “Ancient Shadows of Saturn” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Lumnos on Facebook here.