Cult of Luna have always been compared to and even been accused of being ardent followers of the post-hardcore scene which was crafted, perfected and made famous by Neurosis. They also had a short stint with post-metal on the last two releases.

Anyway, ten years and 4 albums later, Cult of Luna released their heaviest and I think the most well written album to date. Eternal Kingdom is a bizarre concept album based on a diary titled ‘Tales from the Eternal Kingdom’, kept by Holger Nilsson, a former prisoner. They found the diary in a demolished mental institution while switching rehearsal spots. It’s a crazy cranial expedition into a madman’s fantasy land of Owlmen, Treemen and the Nacken, who he claims responsible for his wife’s death by drowning.

Sonically, they have gone back to their doomy post-hardcore roots and there’s also a good amount of rock (Radiohead, Mogwai) in here. But running for a little more than an hour, the album tends to drag a bit after 6 or 7 songs. Also, the album lacks dynamics and I can understand if someone not familiar with the band finds them repetitive. I’m one of those people who find these accusations as being a tad too harsh and I see a wealth of potential in these guys that’s just ready to explode anytime from now.



Year - 2008
Label – Earache Records

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