At some point, there are a handful of acts that more than earn the title of “ubiquitous” in more ways than one. Having garnered a near-legendary reputation since its debut in 2006 and becoming an absolute monolith in the world of atmospheric black metal to the point of being a key influential name to many who are crafting new material in today’s climate, Spectral Lore’s presence, impact, and power cannot be understated. Not even considering Ayloss’s other projects, the ambition of Spectral Lore alongside its talent has been the sort that many people are helpless in resisting given the masterful creations that have come our way over the years with the artist’s bout into electronic territories an interesting foray. While many are waiting for the viciously anticipated “IV”, there is but one more stop that Ayloss is having us make before finally crossing that threshold. A pertinent journey that is as much a musical expression for Ayloss as much as it is a personal statement, “11 Days” is far more than a mere prelude to what comes next.

Spectral Lore has never been a presence to deny in any form much like its contemporaries in the form of names like Mare Cognitum and Midnight Odyssey. While many may consider the “main” spectacle of Spectral Lore is in its more well-known releases of “I’, “II’, and, especially, “III” with the impending “IV” something that many are rightfully excited for in a great deal, I think that will lead far too many to disregarding any new material from this name as anything that isn’t worth investigation. I feel truly sad for those people. Spectral Lore has never been an act to pass up no matter what performance it puts forth with it always having more than enough to say with the power to more than back it up with “11 Days” but the perfect embodiment of such. Four tracks that detail a real-world crisis with the plight of refugees who take the most dangerous paths across the Mediterranean Sea to find not just haven from persecution or general safety, but to seek their right to better lives, this is Spectral Lore at some of its most poignant moments thus its some of its most harrowing. Armed with two sprawling pieces of black metal that are only to be expected from Spectral Lore that then come paired deliciously with two equally expansive works of electronic ambient, “11 Days” stands as a potent and timely creation that is as relevant to issues in our world as much as it is significant in the transformation of Ayloss as a musician over the decades. This is where fervent passion meets with a deep-rooted personal belief that cannot be shaken, and it makes for a truly powerful creation in every essence.

The overwhelming shadow of “IV” is something that shouldn’t be taken into consideration with this EP. “11 Days” stands tall, proud, and defiant as a personal journey and a cry into the world for real change for real good for all of the right reasons with the backing of a modern black metal master at the helm to really drive home any and all meaning that’s at play here. There are more impressive creations from Spectral Lore over the years given all that it has accomplished, but it is “11 Days” that should stand alone as a work that can motivate real change. If nothing else, that’s truly something to behold, no?

“11 Days” releases on March 21st!

LISTEN to an advanced track from “11 Days” via YouTube here or below.

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