Secrets of the Moon - Privilegivm
Germany's Secrets of the Moon has been forging a unique brand of black metal since 1995, but it wasn't until almost a decade later that they properly came into their own with the kind of eloquence and proficiency that makes a band something truly special. This was initially heralded with the release of 2006's Antithesis, which was a polished and avant-garde affair that signified a major step forward for the group's sound and presentation. The brand new Privilegivm LP shows further exploration of this style with the same gleaming production values that augment some very impressive musicianship.
It is not always easy to describe Secrets of the Moon without running the risk of turning off black metal purists; so many hallmarks of their work could be reduced to carnival-style excess in less capable hands. This album is still black metal in that the sound is dark and the content focuses on magickal systems and esoteric forays, but it would be too simple to leave it at that. Nothing here sounds happy or pretty, but there is an energy within that is almost uplifting despite its dire tone. Much of this could be attributed to the crafted and confident performances of the band as a whole; Secrets of the Moon have always been good musicians, but Privilegivm captures the band at the height of their abilities.
The songs alternately rage and drift with grand transitions and dreamy acoustic asides that invoke the work of Stravinsky; the quiet moments are sublime, and the fiery moments are grand and deadly. It should always be a prime motivator in black metal to push boundaries and express otherwise ineffable ideas, and Secrets of the Moon does this with admirable aplomb. Structurally, the album operates in movements and each song is a part of the larger continuum that can either be embraced as a whole or as the sum of its parts This isn't an easy balancing act when writing on such an ambitious scale, but guitarist sG and company make it all seem effortless and natural.
Privilegivm should be regarded as a great album, particularly in the thankless world of post-2000 black metal. It is highly recommended for anyone seeking more than the mindless drum-smacking and parrot-voiced screaming that seems to glut the underground these days. Seek it out, and it will seek you in return.
For more info: Privilegivm is out now in North America and Europe. Check out a live review of their recent show in San Antonio.
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