Origin: Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸
Genre: Black Metal
From out on the western edge of the United States where the deadliness of the heat is only exceeded by the bitter stench of dying dreams, comes Lamp of Murmuur – the solo creative manifestation of one M. And over the course of four years, this once low-fi demo-spawning project has metamorphosed into what it is today – an intangible musical entity.
Black metal is the most versatile genre of music the world of art has to offer, and it’s become starkly apparent that LOM is of the understanding that true black metal can, and oftentimes should, also be transcendent. On March 26, Lamp of Murmuur will unveil its latest full-length offering, “Saturnian Bloodstorm” via Argento • Not Kvlt.
Notwithstanding some obvious Immortal and Emperor worship, “Saturnian Bloodstorm” is full-spectrum, genre-spanning black metal – wholly original and explorative in the vein of Absu and Melechesh, but without overstepping true BM’s boundaries. There’s a band dynamic vibe to the music, as well, as if it was recorded live – perhaps in the ruins of some abandoned cathedral – as opposed to the stitched together feel of other solo ventures. Finely mixed and artfully produced in a manner whereas even intricacies such as the crisp splash of the hi-hats and the perfectly-toned buzz of the guitar are cast in a warm revealing light as opposed to a vulgar glare.
Five epic album cuts and one striking interlude – all forged with refined black steel under master’s gaze and designed for both lethality and dazzlement. From within these already captivating tracks, you’ll discover more low-hanging fruit in the form of those aforementioned Immortal-heralding riffs in tracks like the opener, “Conquerer Beyond the Frenzied Fog”. Gargantuan progressions towering over a fluid percussive stream consisting of martial rhythms as opposed to a rigid, blast-beat-bolstered foundation. Thrash-laden chugs, captivating melodic sequences and anthemic heavy metal-inspired riffs all set off by M’s devilish vocal attack – early Satyr-worshipping daemonic grumbles and noble cries echo off into an atmosphere teeming with mystical energy and pulsating with a pre-eruptive level of varying influences.
There’s a powerful Scandinavian gust sweeping over quaking western earth now as Lamp of Murmuur prepares to unleash an imposing record – one that will not only beautifully represent our proud USBM scene, but also send a transparent message to the international underground as to how innovative, hardworking and unique a project must be to achieve and maintain relevance within this particular circuit.
10/10
Experience “Conqueror Beyond the Frenzied Fog” from “Saturnian Bloodstorm” right here as presented by Black Metal Promotion:
~Jeger