It’s not unoften when I talk about anything atmospheric that I compare it meditation as that’s my go-to comparison, but sometimes there are albums that come that just saying their fit for a session of meditation just isn’t enough. That goes double when metal, not just doom, is combined with atmospheres that are all-engrossing to make for a truly transcendent experience. I’ve dabbled with the work that Cult of Luna has earned cult status for, but it’s with their upcoming work that is particularly magnificent.

I’ve had plenty of experiences with post-metal and its ilk where there were tons of rich atmospheres to go around and they made for quite a listen, but the last time I heard something as truly mammoth as what Cult of Luna has brought together here can only be compared (for me, anyway) to Minsk’s last full-length effort, “The Crash and the Draw”. There’s so much to fall into in all of the cacophonies that “A Dawn to Fear” draws from the ether of reality that even after listening to it practically all fucking day, there’s still a shit ton to discover with each new listen. If given the chance, and they almost always do, Cult of Luna will swallow you whole so that your entire being is wrapped in so much emotion and immaculate musicianship such that would be a herculean task to no get lost in. Smash that together with such gripping intensity that can just as easily destroy as it can restore, and “A Dawn to Fear” is not just something to behold as a monstrous work of destruction but something to look deep into in order to see a special kind of spirit with soul that very few albums can achieve in such high quality. Even though Cult of Luna have proven themselves to be one of the modern masters of the aural build-up with the potent follow-up punches to match, it all comes to a head at just about every turn with “A Dawn to Fear” to prove that not only is this an album that demands to be heard but also proves Cult of Luna to be a modern great that will, surely, have a lasting impact on future metalheads from all over.

There aren’t very many times when I can lean back into an album and just let it take me knowing for a fact that the material I’m about to dive into is going to be just as hypnotic in its atmospheres as well as be punished by its immense ferocity. It’s like bands like Inter Arma that I think of normally when it comes to such a layered concept like that, but now I will always imagine “A Dawn to Fear” when I’m looking for something like that. On every front and with expert precision, Cult of Luna has crafted a true experience that should not be ignored as it is a virtual masterpiece in every aspect.

“A Dawn to Fear” releases on September 20th via Metal Blade Records!

PRE-ORDER “A Dawn to Fear” via multiple sources here.

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