Emerald Sunsets is not the eagerly awaited new album from the Greek individual who specializes in an ambient, atmospheric style that is also steeped in the traditions and epic scope of Black Metal. Rather it is the physical release of tracks taken from Of Green Pastures…, The Light That Burns demo and The Furrow of Woes digital only releases.
At only four tracks, it is a glimpse into the multi-layered style that is A Diadem of Dead Stars, the raw guitar and multiple movements conjure another notable one-man project where the concept is paramount, and the emotion is a tangible facet of the musical creation. Known as The Pilgrim, the work is epic in scope with large guitar parts that are equally matched by sweeping passages that allow the music to linger like morning fog upon the fields that is thematically linked to the gorgeous cover art.
The grandeur of “The Furrow of Woes” is intrinsically linked to the overall themes, its distorted moments are offset by soothing yet dark-filled passages. It is Neofolk at times yet also assured in its more black metal traditions as the riff to “As swallows Flew Away From This Land’’ stands proud on its own. It is a unique vision that sometimes requires a larger canvas, yet its authenticity is beyond doubt.
Immersive melancholia Emerald Sunsets is at times beautiful and poignant with 19th century poetry. The coda of ‘The light that Burns’ and the entirety of “Of Green pastures” is simply beautiful with their choral vocals. It is immersive and tranquil yet also rousing and tinged with sorrow. Complex, earthen and primal, this is music delivered with passion and honesty.
A Diadem of Dead Stars is alluring and addictive.
A Diadem of Dead Stars: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: III Damnation
Category: Album
Country: Greece
Reviewed by Sparky
