Richard HolmesCult of Luna/The Old Wind – Råångest (Pelagic Records)
Genre: Post Metal
Pairing Swedish titans Cult of Luna with their less-established compatriots The Old Wind for this split makes perfect sense: both bands paint widescreen sonic soundscapes and are masters of quiet/loud dynamics. There’s also a bleakness to their work which makes you feel like you’re wandering through a ruined city… in the depths of a nuclear winter.
However, you’re left wanting more from Råångest, the second instalment of the Pelagic Split Series. Perhaps that’s because its predecessor, featuring The Ocean and Mono, was such a fine release (helped by the fact that those bands took markedly different paths).
The Old Wind’s contributions here, while crushingly heavy, aren’t as imaginative as the material on their debut, Feast On Your Gone, and in truth it’s Cult of Luna who make this EP work. Last Will and Testament – an Amebix cover – brings the band’s undoubted class to proceedings and the last two minutes in particular boast a climax that’s well worth the wait. Built around a gargantuan riff, the track is a stunning re-working of the original, and is further proof of the Umeå act’s collective genius.
So while Råångest isn’t essential by any means, Cult of Luna’s acolytes may still want it in their collections.
RUSHONROCK RATED: 6/10 Luna Landing