Where Black Stars Beckon by Dark Solstice Review

Hail, you moonlit heretics of the Black Metal Archives—Sean here, still entranced by the gothic shadows of Dark Solstice’s Where Black Stars Beckon EP. Spun this today, and it’s like Munich’s darkest alleys summoned a spectral rite into my veins. Snagged it off Bandcamp, released April 4, 2025, via Sliptrick Records as a prelude to their May 23 full-length, and its three tracks of dark metal grandeur are a haunting taste—let’s step into this nocturnal realm!

Dark Solstice emerged from Munich’s gloom, a five-piece weaving darkness—Jonathan Rittirsch (vocals), Michael Woess (lead guitar), Alexander Meyer (rhythm guitar), Maurice Gerczuk (bass), Jakob Burde (drums). Where Black Stars Beckon EP is their debut strike, a Sliptrick-backed harbinger of gothic-tinged black metal.

“Where Black Stars Beckon” creeps in like a fog over cobblestones—Michael’s lead guitar spins a mournful melody, Jonathan’s vocals snarling with a dramatic flair that hooks me deep. Jakob’s drums thrum like a distant storm—I’m swaying, lost in its eerie pull.
“Pathways” takes flight, Alexander’s rhythm guitar anchoring a blackened surge, Maurice’s bass a cold undercurrent—Jonathan’s voice soars with a banshee’s wail, sending shivers down my spine.
“Open” descends slow and sinister, guitars weaving a doomy tapestry, drums pounding like a cult’s heartbeat—damn, it’s a chilling close that leaves me hollow.

Dark Solstice’s sound is a midnight cathedral—Michael and Alexander’s guitars blend Old Man’s Child’s icy drama with Paradise Lost’s gothic weight, Maurice’s bass a steady gloom, Jakob’s kit a tempest’s pulse, and Jonathan’s vocals a mix of venom and melody. It’s raw yet theatrical—feels like they conjured this in a Munich crypt, fueled by candlelight and dread. Where Black Stars Beckon is a shadowy portent—blast it loud, let it possess you, and join me in awaiting their full descent.

You nocturnal wraiths, drop your takes below—how did this EP stir your darkness? Stream it on Bandcamp and heed the beckoning stars!

Sean, Black Metal Archives, April 18, 2025