- 180gr LP, 3.5mm spine printed on 350gsm cardstock jacket with LAVANDA FLOOD, UV SPOT and thick professionally printed thick INSERT.
Nearly 30 years after its original release, Asrar Records proudly presents the first official LP edition of the legendary 1996 full-length Source of Origin. December Moon, an iconic melodic black metal band from the UK, featured members who played a key role in shaping Cradle of Filth’s early classics.
December Moon’s Source of Origin may have flown under the radar upon its 1996 release, but those who give it a chance will find a solid and well-crafted slab of melodic black metal. While it may not have revolutionized the genre, the album stands as a testament to the duo’s dedication to their craft, delivering a collection of atmospheric and well-structured compositions. From the start, Exaltation of Power sets the stage with its unusual melodic riffing, hinting at a band that understood the balance between aggression and melody. The production is crisp, the performances tight, and the songwriting carries a natural flow that keeps the listener engaged from beginning to end.
There’s a certain precision to Source of Origin that reflects the members’ later involvement with Cradle of Filth, yet it avoids the theatrical excesses of that band in favor of a more straightforward black metal approach. The use of ambient interludes is surprisingly effective, adding depth rather than serving as filler, and the album’s pacing ensures that each track has room to breathe. The snarled vocals and mechanical yet effective drumming provide a steady foundation for the intricate guitar work, making for an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly polished.
Though it never quite reaches the heights of the genre’s defining works, Source of Origin is an underrated gem, showcasing a band that knew exactly what they wanted to achieve. It may not have been a game-changer, but its commitment to quality over gimmickry makes it a worthy listen for any fan of 90s melodic black metal. If you come across this album in a used bin, don’t hesitate to grab it—you might just find yourself returning to it more often than expected.
