EP REVIEW: Luna in the Sky Forever – Cvlt Ov The Svn
If you ever thought that black metal inspired, pop infused music would, for one, ever be a genre that would exist, or for seconds, actually work pretty well, then take your disbelief and have a listen to Finnish occult murder pop band CVLT OV THE SVN. While the style seems on paper to be a completely unworkable, the music on debut EP Luna in the Sky Forever speaks for itself.
Title track Luna in the Sky Forever slaps a head turning beat, before it’s bombastic synth infused sound lures you in to sample the glorious textures on offer. Something of early THE KILLERS, GHOST and PRIMORDIAL in the mix. There’s an instantly interesting edge to what CVLT OV THE SVN are doing, with their haunting, raspy vocals whispering over a cool, rock-pop infused melodies. The idea that hints of pop music and black metal could work together like this sounds insane, but it somehow works to great It’s chilled enough to invite you in, and catchy enough to replay and before you know it, it’ll be embedded in your head.
Whore of Babylon is a million miles from the creepy cool of its predecessor, with a much more gothic, choral overtone and a tremolo quick guitar lead. The groove falls back into place once the vocals come back to the forefront, but the darkness has been dialled up no question. The vocal style is so distinct, it’s totally recognisable and distinct from anything else you’ll hear this year; While it’s unlike his style, it’s reminiscing of the impact someone like MARILYN MANSON had with his debut. Chunky guitars fuzz beneath the heated story of the lyrics, with a relentless drum that really keeps the energy fun and frenzied.
The Pit has a distinct charm about its slightly off kilter hook, which isn’t as abrasive as it’s black metal origins, but follows through in the bass that just feels like it’s itching to burst itself open and consume. In fact, the whole track has a sense of foreboding, an uncertainty of what comes next, and yet a wonderful chord progression and sense of pace that really entices. It’s worth mentioning to more length that the lyrics of this EP are the underrated stars of the record. These stories are colourful encapsulations of their writers imagination and they drive the music more than any other factor.
The final number, The Murderer, could possibly be the best of the bunch on this EP. Super funky basslines, it’s catchy, dark, menacing and glossy; the movement incorporates enough synth sounds to feel contemporary, while also nodding to the black metal sound, and the tone you feel in the chorus is hollow, mean and evocative. It takes every element of each moment before it on this EP and mushes them into the perfect mix of mainstream and subculture.
CVLT OV THE SVN have managed to not only balance pop and black metal tropes, but this unholy unity has spawned something really worth keeping note of and for a debut EP, it’s got a lot to offer. To elaborate on the gloss of Luna in the Sky Forever; make no mistake that it’s a not a gloss of traditional pop or rock, but rather a gloss of deep, thick molten tar. There’s a polish and style to it for sure, and it’s completely encapsulating, but the metal heart that lies within the music itself and more so within the lyrics will have you hungry for more.
Rating: 7/10
Luna in the Sky Forever is out now via OMN label services.
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