Lunarium - Journeys, Fables And Lore

Published April 04 2008

*=Staff's pick	Warcry* Death Rides (On Winged Glory) Sea Dragons* The Divine Infidelity Of A False Prophet Heritage Taken Liberation* Hail The Fallen Brothers In Arms Feast Of Sargonnas 1066* Elizabeth's Song The Waymen Ale* Luna's Wake* Trollslayer*

Genre	Pagan Power Metal	Cinnead Loreweaver	Vocals
Tracks	15	Cinnead Loreweaver	Guitar
Runningtime	64 Min.	Rygon Riffaxe	Guitar
Label	Favahar Records	Jarloc Darkstar	Bass
Release	08 April 2008	Justyn Van Stokken	Drums
Country	USA	-	Keyboard
Similar artists	Falconer, Ensiferum, Turisas

Dressed in kilts, donning nice garb, faces smudged by cyano war paint, the noble descendents of time honored heritage and highland glory stand proud. These waymen of wile and weal dub themselves Lunarium, and they mirror pagan pride, embittered on their heathenish foray. These trollslayers are soothsayers of Pagan reputation, and Christian repudiation. Hear the warcry of these brothers in arms, as they elicit fantastic fables, and espouse an argosy of dragonlore. These noble savages are sages of the poetic, bearing liberation and libation. These recusants bathed in moonfog, beguile through myth, tinged with history. Soaring on the wings of infinite glory, ensconsed in shamanistic nocturnal rights, relish in their journey into mystery.

Another Mid-Western tale of wonder and musement, Lunarium rise from the depths of insipid ignorance, dwelling in the forsaken land known as Waverly, Ohio. Lunarium hale the storm, bringing about times of change and introspection. This is their debut release for the burgeoning label known as Farvahar Records. Reworking several songs from their 2006 demo, and penning some new anthems, Lunarium fans will celebrate this triumphant release. Those uninitiated into their sublime blend of chaos and social construct, will want to acquaint themselves, accordingly.

The staff of Farvahar spared no expense on the packaging of this CD. The booklet is replete with well-written lyrics, liner notes, band photos, and more. The spectrum of diverse songs will be spinning genuinely in your head for over an hour. Most metal appetites will be satiated by the talent and prowess of Lunarium's myriad of melodies.

The feast of sardonic harmony commences with Warcry, an imperial saga of Roman conquest. Amon Amarth avengers & Ensiferum dragonheads will cherish this victory song. Dive in to Death Rides' Doomsword laden homage to the Witch-King of Angmar from Tolkien's Middle Earth. Týr and Turisas fans will acknowledge Heritage Taken & Brothers In Arms, with magnanimous accreditation. Sea Dragons is a striking shipshape rhyme of ancient mariners, with rapid waves of flowing concord and ebony tides. Each individual track has its own character and personality. Cruachan's Celtic mysteries unfold in the arcane cadence of Liberation; while Falkenbach & Mithotyn legions will gather 'round the oaken throne and Hail The Fallen.

Vocalist Cinnead (Nate Bridenbaugh) is a weaver of dreams and Ancient Rites. His penchant for "Lord" Byron Roberts of Bal-Sagoth melds well with his articulate scholarly intonation, emulating Mathias Blad of Falconer, Martin Walkyier, and "ArdChieftain" Ciaran O'Hagan of Waylander. Bucolic bassist Jarloc Darkstar (JR Carter) has forged his own niche, through the echo of his own handcrafted tool of diligence. Drummer Justyn Van Stokken (Justin Lucas) scorches his skins, pummeling the pleonasms. Rygon Riffaxe (Ryan Carroll) accentuates the maelstrom.

Lyrically the songs are well-scripted through a collaboration of colloquial collusion and wistful interchange. A proclivity for history and culture are elucidated through a song like 1066 which concerns the famous Battle of Hastings in a time of blood and fire. Ale is a mirthful chortle of affectation, picturing the imbibing of spirits, in the mock-up tradition of Irish merriement. Flogging Molly yeomen will wallow in the wit, and catch the spit. This genuine draft sounds so traditional, like Old Rover or Some Say The Devil Is Dead; even I was fooled again.

Elisabeth's Song haunts the listener with real EVPs and a sound of White Noise; while Luna's Wake explores Lunarium's sorrow and mythos, baying under the moonspell. The closing cut Trollslayer is an exhibition bout of sonic intensity and echoes of Eternia. On stage during their live encore, Lunarium bring out this lummox of a creature; a caricature of Maiden's Eddie and Beowulf's nemesis Grendel. This towering troglodyte of monstrous dudgeon symbolizes all that oppresses, and the band decimate his reign through the strike of the sword of wisdom, while wielding metal guitar axes of power.

As you may be unfamiliar with this act of insanity, I urge you to delve into their sacred Eleusinian Mysteries. I highly recommend joining them on their journey through mythhistory a lacuna toil. In a digital age, this CD is definitely worth the investment. The Pagan Power Metal of Lunarium is alluring and inspired. Wake up to the sounds of divine hi-fidelity and fealty.