Unreqvited has added another album to their illustrious repertoire that marks an evolution in their sound. While previous works follow the more traditional style of post-black metal A Pathway to the Moon is a departure from what we’ve come to expect. With a broader use of clean vocals in contrast to the DSBM range used in earlier works, this change might be seen as divisive.
However, as a child of the post-hardcore era, I draw a lot of comparisons to bands like A Lot Like Birds and Circa Survive and the mixture between the two genres scratches a certain itch. It is a well-balanced work that maintains elements of post-hardcore, post-black metal, and of course blackgaze. It would not be an overstatement to say Unreqvited has made waves within the blackgaze community for their signature melodies and this will surely please those who have been following their body of work throughout the years.
First track Overture I: Disintegrate features lyrics that drive the overall narrative throughout this work. The soft piano cue in addition to ethereal clean vocals provides a necessary contrast of what is to come without distracting from the overall composition. While some of that dreamlike tone follows us into the second track The Antimatter, it becomes more distorted. Intertwined between pounding guitars the vocals take on an eerie feeling of corruption. As we descend further into astral chaos pressure settles in which is released in the climax of this song. Truly an unforgettable experience.
The Starforger is the most approachable track in the entire album with an entrancing melody decorated with sparkling synths. This borders just on the edge of cosmic black metal with its epic nature and heavy reliance upon more atmospheric elements. My favorite song though is Into the Starlight Beyond which is in equal parts enchanting and sorrowful. The vocals here are at their most heartbreaking and the chorus lingers long after the album itself is over. In addition to fantastical riff-work it is, in my humble opinion, an instant classic.
A Pathway to the Moon is a top recommendation in a series of very promising releases from this year and is sure to top a few people’s top ten. Please go support this latest project over on Bandcamp and check out other earlier works which are just as exemplary. Until then, hails or something.
