Cult Of Luna
The Beyond

Cult Of Luna are among the leading figures and interpreters of the modern changes that metal sounds have undergone in recent years. The large Swedish group (a full seven members!) offers us, much like the masters Neurosis and, especially, Isis, a composite sound with multiple influences, from hardcore to stoner, passing through hard rock and 70s-inspired psychedelia. Call it post-core, nu-stoner, or whatever you like, the fact remains that Cult Of Luna are by no means novices or just another band of kids following the latest trend. Their remarkable abilities already emerged in 2001 with their self-titled debut album, released by Earache Records. Two years later, they make a comeback with The Beyond, an album far more mature and accomplished than its predecessor, which contributes to expanding the circle of aficionados of a band that, until then, was operating exclusively within underground circles.

The Beyond is an excellent album, compact and well-played, consisting of ten long tracks where, amidst sharp attacks and sophisticated references to psychedelia, one ends up being involved and (pleasantly) overwhelmed by it all. The searing screams of vocalist Klas Rydberg blend with the classic "wall of noise" typical of the genre and a drumming that is never excessively intrusive, and they shine in their entirety in stunning tracks like "Receiver" and the very long "Genesis" (over 10 minutes, truly chilling...), in the slow crescendo of the superb and at times heartbreaking "Circle," or in the surprising depth of the concluding "Further".

The album is also bolstered by the superb production of veteran Pelle Henricsson (Refused, Meshuggah, The Hives, just to name a few bands he has worked with), which significantly contributes to the perfect success of Cult Of Luna's second work. Of course, perhaps we are not facing an absolute masterpiece like Panopticon or Through Silver In Blood, but simply 71 minutes of excellent music. And in a period of rampant trash, what more could you wish for?