August Moon – Something Eldritch and Macabre Review

August Moon – Something Eldritch and Macabre: A Review

Emerging from teh depths of FinlandS renowned 90s death metal scene, August Moon has finaly released their highly anticipated debut album, “Something Eldritch and macabre,” a decade in the making. The band, initially a side project of As Serenity Fades, has carefully crafted a unique blend of melodic death metal, black metal, thrash metal, and even hints of 70s rock and 80s synth, culminating in an enthralling musical journey.

A Symphony of Metal Fusion

“Something Eldritch and Macabre” is far from a simple revival of Scandinavian melodeath.August Moon infuses their sound with a captivating diversity, creating intricate compositions that are both engaging and gratifying. The album seamlessly integrates swarming tremolos, Gothenburg harmonies, Hammond-style organ refrains, thrashy melodic hooks reminiscent of Omnium Gatherum, proto-metal grooves, and a dash of power metal panache, all enveloped in a raw and authentic production style.

Dynamic Songwriting and Intricate Arrangements

The album’s strength lies in its dynamic songwriting, striking a delicate balance between ambition and restraint. Peter Viherkanto’s creative riffs are the backbone of the album, guiding the listener through gripping transitions, unexpected shifts, and triumphant crescendos. Soaring organ lines interwoven with heavy blasts in “Constellations Dislodged from the Night Sky” and driving thrash riffs amidst relentless tremolos in “as Cataclysms Swept Across the Cities” create irresistible headbanging moments.

Viherkanto’s fretwork shines brilliantly, given space to breathe by Tom Hendriksson’s measured rock-centric syncopations on drums. Hendriksson employs stylish fills and tasteful blasts, gallops, and tom patterns, further enhancing the band’s tactful songwriting approach. The album’s concise 39-minute runtime ensures that the energy never dips, leaving a lasting impact on the listener.

Production and Vocal Performance

While the production effectively captures the raw essence of August Moon’s sound, it occasionally suffers from inconsistencies. Sorja’s guttural growls, at times, get lost in the treble-heavy mix, lacking the low-end weight that would give them more punch. A more balanced mix could have elevated the overall listening experience.

Final Verdict

“Something Eldritch and Macabre” is a testament to August Moon’s dedication and musical prowess. Despite a few minor production hiccups and a couple of underwhelming tracks, the album is a captivating blend of melodic death metal with compelling influences. The band’s unique approach and strong songwriting make this a standout release for fans of the genre and a promising start to their long-awaited career.

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Rating: 3.0/5.0

DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3 | Label: Personal Records | releases Worldwide: December 13th, 2024

How did the band’s experiences and musical backgrounds contribute to the eclectic mix of genres heard on “something Eldritch and Macabre”?

Behind the Moonlight: An Interview with August Moon’s Peter Viherkanto

After a decade-long hiatus,August Moon,the Finnish melodic death metal altrock,has finally emerged from the shadows with their debut album “Something Eldritch and Macabre.” We sat down with the band’s guitarist and primary songwriter, Peter Viherkanto, to discuss their Grueling journey, unique sound, and ambitious songwriting.

Immaculate Reinvention

Archyde News: August Moon began as a side project of As Serenity Fades. What prompted the decision to turn your attention to this band full-time?

Peter Viherkanto (PV): After years of focusing on As Serenity Fades, we felt the need to explore something new and push our musical boundaries. August Moon started as an outlet for more aggressive and experimental ideas. When we realized how much potential this project had, we decided to commit to it wholeheartedly.

The Fusion of Metals

AN: Your new album “Something Eldritch and Macabre” is a captivating blend of melodic death metal,black metal,thrash metal,and even hints of 70s rock and 80s synth. What inspired this eclectic mix of genres?

PV: Growing up,we were all influenced by a wide range of music. when we started working on these songs, we didn’t want to confine ourselves to a single genre. We wanted to create something truly unique and personal, drawing from our diverse musical backgrounds. The result is an album that reflects ourituations and experiences as listeners and musicians.

Crafting Intricate Arrangements

AN: The album’s strength lies in its dynamic songwriting. How did you approach composing these complex yet engaging tracks?

PV: We wanted each song to have its own identity while still remaining true to our overall sound. I’d start by writing a riff or a melody that would serve as the foundation for a track. Then, we’d build upon that, ensuring that every element serves a purpose and contributes to the song’s narrative. It was a labor-intensive process, but the result speaks for itself.

G میدان Production and Vocal Performance

AN: The production effectively captures the band’s raw essence but suffers from occasional inconsistencies, notably in the vocal department. What’s your take on this, and what can fans expect from future releases?

PV: We’re aware of the production’s shortcomings, and we’ve learned from them. For future releases, we plan to work with a more experienced producer who can definitely help us achieve a better balance between raw energy and clarity. As for the vocals, Sorja has been working on improving his techniques, and I believe listeners will see growth in that area as well.

A Decade in the Making

AN: Your debut album took ten years to materialize. What challenges did you face along the way, and how do you think this experience has shaped August Moon as a band?

PV: There were numerous challenges – lineup changes, personal issues, and creative differences being the most important. But these obstacles also taught us resilience and patience. We’ve grown not just as musicians but also as friends, and I believe this shared experience has strengthened our bond and our sound.

AN: Peter, what message do you hope listeners take away from “Something Eldritch and Macabre”?

PV: I hope listeners find inspiration in our music, whether it be to challenge themselves, explore new sounds, or simply appreciate the beauty in the darkness. Ultimately,we want our listeners to connect with our art on a personal level and find their own interpretations and meanings.

AN: Thank you, Peter, for your time and insight. We look forward to hearing more from August Moon in the future.