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A captivating journey into Melodic Mystical Black Metal, this EP and demo compilation has been meticulously remastered for a seamless listening experience, now featuring an unreleased intro that sets the tone perfectly. For the first time, all lyrics are included, offering fans a deeper connection to the band's haunting and atmospheric narrative.
Mooncitadel’s Moon Calls to Wonder… The Winter’s Majesty is a release squarely aimed at the black metal underground, and it embraces that ethos wholeheartedly. There are no extravagant gimmicks—no gatefold packaging, patches, or even a lyrics sheet. Instead, the focus is on the music itself, where darkness dominates the presentation, from the blackened vinyl to the eerie, atmospheric soundscapes contained within.
The record is divided into two parts. Side A showcases two previously unreleased tracks with a combined playtime of over 14 minutes, offering a complex tapestry of icy riffs, epic hymns, and furious black metal aggression. These songs are diverse in nature, shifting from hauntingly melodic to raw and primal. The medieval touch in the title track adds a surprising but fitting layer to the sound. While the underground production sometimes results in thin guitar tones, particularly in the middle of the title track, the overall arrangement remains intriguing. "Dance of a Dark Pagan Spell (The Dreaming Equinox)" stands out with its clever composition, blending almost catchy elements with pounding timpani that enhance the song’s depth and dramatic flair. It's not overpowering, but it resonates with dignity and a sense of timeless grandeur.
Side B features four tracks from their 2016 demo, offering 19 minutes of atmospheric black metal that is rawer in both production and delivery. The sound quality here is more restrained, which may not appeal to everyone, but it fits Mooncitadel's eerie, archaic approach. The highlight, “Lord of the Moonrealm,” introduces some truly unsettling, thin guitar lines that further heighten the ominous atmosphere. Stormheit, the mastermind behind the project, ensures that the guitar-driven focus is balanced by atmospheric keyboard layers, adding texture without overwhelming the overall sound.
Despite the different recording sessions, there’s a surprising cohesiveness between the tracks, giving the album a full-length feel. It’s not a release for those seeking polished, mainstream black metal, but for listeners who appreciate raw authenticity and the spiritual depth of underground releases, Moon Calls to Wonder… The Winter’s Majesty is a rewarding experience. While not essential, it is certainly worth exploring for its genuine connection to the genre’s roots.
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