If we’re even going to dare and talk about influential names in the modern state of atmospheric black metal, Spectral Lore and the mastermind, Ayloss, deserve an immediate mention for all that has been accomplished from everything within and outside of Spectral Lore. From groundbreaking work in this band and mass experimentation in a laundry list of other bands, Ayloss’s impact cannot be understated, but we all know that Spectral Lore is where the true magnificence lies at its core, and it’s been far too long since a full-length from this modern legend of an act. Coming hot off the heels of a cosmically large split with Mare Cognitum last year, it is with this effort that Spectral Lore reminds us why it’s a name that has long been at the top of the food chain.

With a title that roughly translates to “the one whose light comes from others”, it certainly does get the mind going as to what particularly Spectral Lore is going for with this release as many of us were expecting a follow-up to the god-tier release of “III”, the album likely to be named “IV” if I had to guess, but it’s here with “Ετερόφωτος” that feels closer to works like “Sentinel”, but don’t let that rule your judgment as it’s here within this over hour-long album that Spectral Lore returns to us in no less than exemplary fashion with seven tracks that cover everything that the band has been throwing our way for years now from the golden atmospheric black metal, a little bit of proggy elements to make the eclectic nature of “Ετερόφωτος” all the sweeter, and even a good dosage of pure ambiance that puts us into an ethereal realm that truly puts us into the realm and mindset that Ayloss commands at the flick of a wrist. It’s all brought together with the skill and mastery of someone who has been a significant player in the game for well over a decade now and an adept understanding at everything that is needed to craft a fucking smashing record at every turn, and it goes without saying that Spectral Lore has been one of those acts for a long time now but that doesn’t take away a single iota of the grandeur that this album brings forth in every single moment to provide us with an aural experience the likes of which extremely few other acts in all of black metal are able to bring to the table. Whether it’s a menagerie of color or thick atmospheres that are all-consuming in every form, “Ετερόφωτος” has it all with Spectral Lore knowing not how to disappoint in any moment of this stupendous release.

Honestly, you didn’t need me to tell you that this album is spectacular, did you? The standard for every Spectral Lore effort is nothing less than utterly magnificent, and it was no different in the crafting of “Ετερόφωτος” as it immediately rises to the challenge to instantly become a black metal highlight of 2021 that likes of which will be extremely difficult to overcome by any band no matter how prolific they may be.

“Ετερόφωτος” releases on April 23rd via I, Voidhanger Records!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “Ετερόφωτος” on Bandcamp here.

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