The Melbourne (Aus) duo of Ben Williamson (Guitars, bass, keys & vocals) and Elliott Sansom (Drums & vocals) return with the second release of Dusk Cult. Night Sky Revelations is more than just another fantastic black metal record l but an experience full of hidden nuances against its raw, confronting Energy.
A natural evolution from their debut it continues their developing synchronicity of melody and unyielding darkness. It is a release full of surprises, such as the organ section through the retro-inspired ‘’Celestial Fury’’, ‘’ Mondaufgang’’ reeks of brimstone and atmosphere. ‘’ Black Cloud Worship’’ with its unrelenting tempo, is continued with the excellent ‘’ Western Embers’’ where the moments of brief acoustic respite are mere markers against the raging chaos and turbulence. The piano on ‘’ Lupercalia’’ is torturous, the denial of the approaching nightmare
The juxtaposition of the heavy low end against the shrieks, howls and cries of the vocals creates and unforgiving intense atmosphere, the melodic moments of clean vocals, guitars and harmony do not lessen the intensity but enrich the experience, with the raw guitar tremolo creating its melodies, sometimes sombre at others all anguish and fury.
Night Sky Revelations combine elements of doom, dissonance and the symphonic into their raw second-wave-inspired yet truly brutal black metal. It is addictive, its energy and spirit creating an enigmatic release that takes recognizable elements and malevolently twists them into something new and, at times, unspeakable. Highly recommended
Dusk Cult: Facebook
Release Year: 2023
Label: self-released
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Sparky
