Lamp of Murmuur announces its fourth album.
Despite numerous live dates, M. (all instruments/vocals, Fuinäehot, Magus Lord, Silent Thunder) collaborates with Wolves of Hades for the release of The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy.
We are greeted by the disturbing The Fires of Seduction, a rather minimalist introduction to the medieval atmosphere that brings together keyboards and percussion, joining the long Forest of Hallucinations and its anguished harmonics that suddenly transform into an epic charge with haunting melodies. The vocalist’s growls make the track more aggressive, contrasting with the majestic passages that punctuate our progression through this dark vortex, which never hesitates to accelerate to offer more raw moments skillfully embellished by orchestrations that give us a taste of hell. The track eventually gives way to Hategate (The Dream-Master’s Realm) and its more jerky approach, which draws on its old-school roots to offer catchy tones coupled with dissonant leads that are particularly effective during the most virulent moments. There are even hints of Black/Thrash Metal before a softer section with clean vocals, then Reincarnation of a Witch takes over with a frenetic rhythm, pouring out a flood of fiery melodies while making the most of the virulent patterns, but also of the short, ethereal break that colors the rest of the track. Angelic Vortex allows us a brief moment of levitation with a Dungeon Synth atmosphere, then the musician launches into a trilogy of songs with the intoxicating The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy Part I – Moondance, which lets us waltz along with its heady leads over a breathless rhythm, but the atmosphere remains contrasting, shifting from moments of aggression to softer touches in the blink of an eye. Keyboards and backing vocals contribute to this temporary softening, as does The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy Part II – Twilight Orgasm, which offers us a moment of floating with its hazy introduction that uses Post-Rock elements to create an interesting progression. A few bursts of vocals reach us, tinging the track with Gothic influences as we move on to The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy Part III – The Fall, where the melodic black metal roots resurface, accompanied by the man’s characteristic growls, but also abrasive riffs that fit perfectly with the wildest passages. There are still some grandiose twists and vocal flights that make this track a truly cataclysmic apotheosis, then A Brute Angel’s Sorrow welcomes us with Crying Orc (Këkht Aräkh), creating a soothing sound and clear vocals, but the darkness is never far away, manifesting itself in discreet groans that ultimately fade into nothingness.
Lamp of Murmuur continues to evolve with ever more influences, making each track a truly unpredictable marvel. The Dreaming Prince in Ecstasy is incredibly rich, and each listen is a real joy as we discover new nuances.
95/100