| Mooncitadel return from Finland with Stardawn Usurper, a work that reveals a bold new chapter in their sound. Originally intended as a mini-album, the material quickly expanded into a full-length, and it carries with it a sense of exploration that makes the record stand apart from their earlier efforts. Listeners familiar with the majestic symphonic Black Metal of Night’s Scarlet Symphonies and Onyx Castles and Silver Keys will find familiar traces, but the balance of elements has shifted.
Where once sweeping keyboards and raw Black Metal formed the core, Stardawn Usurper embraces a stronger presence of Heavy Metal spirit, infused with medieval grandeur and cosmic atmosphere. The opening piece, Ordo Templi Borealis, forgoes distortion altogether in favor of acoustic passages, chants, and atmospheric layers that transport the listener into a timeless, otherworldly setting. From there, Procreation of the Comet Rider surges with Bathory-like heroism, balancing melodic riffs with the icy edge of Black Metal. The lengthy Assemble Thy Constellations, Lord of Silence! offers a mesmerizing instrumental journey, its ambient textures and dynamic percussion serving as a vital cornerstone rather than a diversion. Closing with the commanding title track, Mooncitadel weave together their sharpened Blackened edge with striking Heavy Metal melodies, leaving an impression both powerful and memorable.
What makes Stardawn Usurper remarkable is the conviction behind its experimentation. The medieval atmosphere and cosmic tones never feel forced, and the songwriting shows a band confident enough to reshape their foundations without losing identity. The result is an album that may surprise long-time listeners but rewards those willing to follow its expansive vision. With this release, Mooncitadel prove that they are not only masters of symphonic Black Metal but also capable of evolving into something uniquely their own.
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