Nocturnal Graves have hardly yet created a huge tidal wave across the black metal scene, but if you’re one of the few that is familiar with them Hunters Moon shouldn’t be a million miles away from what you’re expecting. That blackened thrash sound the Aussies are so fond of is definitely in there somewhere, however has been toned down a little to make way for a more epic Bathory inspired effort. The project of Lust and J. Eradicator of aforementioned band, this E.P. is a nice taster for things to come and hardly comes as a shock that Hells Headbangers signed them up after just one demo.
At only 20 minutes in length this is highly unlikely to test your patience; it’s short and gets straight to the point and comes neatly wrapped within a mellow intro and outro which don’t overstay their welcome. ‘A Light In The Abyss’ instantly hurtles along with a swagger while there’s an underlying bleakness to the sound and even a cold and snow-capped Immortal infliction. The keyboards are barely there, just seeping through ephemerally to add a streak of atmosphere. Guitars are harsh and relentless, while drums keep up a beat that marches with intent straight through to the pits of hell. I love the mean little riff on ‘The Ravens Swoon;’ it’s got a great headbangable rhythm to it and is delivered with a kind of Viking-esque bravado.
‘Baphomet’ distorts its way in, fizzling into an oppressive doom-laden monster of a riff before hurrying off leaving a hard rocking trail behind with it. The guitar leads scream out in a rather discordant manner and make a real hellish racket. There’s a mean, angry swagger to ‘The Serpents Lust’ that kind of stomps along like a warrior on the warpath, and chaotically sweeps through to the outro; ‘Last Rites’ takes us out with rather lush guitars and a mellowness that has me thinking of a more condensed Primordial style epicness.
I really enjoyed this E.P. and perhaps more so for its brevity; simply as it’s a welcome break from the many 70 minute albums I’ve had on the stereo of late, however these are a band I hope to hear more of in the future. The Serpent aught to be lusting after this indeed.
http://www.myspace.com/thehuntersmoon
