MOONLIGHT SORCERY – Piercing Through The Frozen Eternity (2022) – Review

Release Date: 17th February 2022
Label: Independent
Genre: Symphonic/Melodic Black Metal

Tracklist:
01. Untenkutoja
02. For Thy Light Is Ice
03. Ice-Veiled Spell
04. Wolven Hour
05. Hauta-alttari

Line-up:
Loitsumestari Taikakallo – Guitars (lead), Bass and Songwriting
Ruttomiele – Vocals and Lyrics
Haaska – Guitars (rhythm), Songwriting (track 1)

Review by Felin Frost

Rate: 9.5/10

New Finnish symphonic/melodic black metallers Moonlight Sorcery was formed in early 2018 by Ruttomieli and Loitsumestari Taikakallo. On 17th February 2022 came the first EP Piercing Through the Frozen Eternity.

A gloomy atmosphere and majestic melodies are what you’ll find in this debut EP. Piercing Through the Frozen Eternity is a classy, ​​modern, and authentic symphonic black metal, which at the same time applies several subtle sonic nuances from established bands such as Emperor, Midnight Odyssey, and Astral Silence. Composed of 5 tracks totalling almost 25 minutes, the EP from the opening track, Untenkutoja, already leaves us wanting more and certain that a work of excellence will unfold.

Continuing the heady flight provided by this odd production, we arrive at “For Thy Light Is Ice”. Where synthesizers are used in an almost magical way, charged riffs combine with dashing percussion. Right after you’re thrown violently into the layered instrumental wall, where Ruttomieli hits you with typically cold, exasperated vocals that stay level balanced with the rest of the instruments. The lead guitar reigns majestically in this song and indeed throughout the entire album, even if at times more discreetly. “Wolven Hour” features some heavy metal riffs that not only surprise as well as are well executed and amalgamated with the synths, the drums stand out in this track. “Wolfen Hour is an epic track not only for its length but for its perfect melodicity and commotion.
“Huata-Alttari”, the closing track of this incredible EP, features a dismal atmosphere of unparalleled rich symphonic, opening with tinkling plates, instantly takes us back from this trip. The vocals are something shocking with the guitars. The guitar solo that settles in from the middle of this track is captivating and has unparalleled artistry. “Huata-Alttari” is the culmination of an EP that has shown itself to be a strong candidate for the best EP of 2022. Yes, I know, we are just at the beginning of the year. But what is good feels like this and is soul-catching.

Piercing Through the Frozen Eternity is available digitally and CD and LP will come later in the year.
Purchase Here: https://moonlightsorcery.bandcamp.com/album/piercing-through-the-frozen-eternity
Follow MOONLIGHT SORCERY:
https://www.facebook.com/moonlight.sorcery
https://www.instagram.com/moonlight.sorcery/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1kaiQHeL8Na4dtRGOPA77a

And …. enjoy the EP in full here: