Info
- Band(s): Chamber of Mirrors
- Label(s): Drakkar Productions
- Release Format(s): 12" vinyl, Cassette, CD
- Release Year: 2023
- Review Date: July 17, 2023
- Author(s): VincentP
On their second album, US-based Chamber of Mirrors presents a well-crafted mix between raw and symphonic Black Metal. Consisting of the sole member Mortem, ‘Moonlight Decay’ follows in the footsteps of the debut album ‘Shadow Kingdom’ that was released just a year ago. While that seems little time to hone the formula, the latest record does feel like a clear step forward. That certainly goes in the sound of the album, which better balances the raw guitars, reverb-laden vocals, thundering drums and symphonic keyboards. Musically, Chamber of Mirrors have also made clear progresses, although the general formula of the band has remained the same. The influences that can be heard back on ‘Moonlight Decay’ remain strictly from the second wave of Black Metal, featuring both the raw sound of Darkthrone, Gorgoroth and fellow USBM acts like Judas Iscariot and Abazagorath as well as the more atmosphere-based approach of very early Satyricon and Emperor.
For 35 minutes the music mostly pummels on at a high pace and ferocity, with overwhelming drums and razor-sharp guitar riffs combined with Mortem’s snarling vocal deliveries. The melodies are often subcutaneous and submissive to the rage contained in the riffs, yet convey a hypnotizing and memorable quality, especially in songs such as the strong opener ‘Blackheart’. When the pace does go down, Chamber of Mirrors’ knack for somewhat off-rhythmic riffs shrines through and the symphonic elements come to full fruition. Further enhanced by at times atonal and skincrawling chord progressions such as in ‘Cloaked by the Shadows of the Night’, this results in a haunting overall atmosphere. Relentless and lethal in terms of tempo and intensity, suffocating and nightmarish in terms of atmosphere: it’s not hard to imagine why a legendary Black Metal label like Drakkar Productions was interested to release the album on all physical formats. Strong album!
