(Self Released)

Release Date: 2010
Origin: Belgium

Lemuria is a relatively unknown band from Belgium, despite the fact they have been around since 2001, or actually since 1999 under the name Spinal Chill. They released their debut album “Tales, Ale and Fire” in 2005 and in the end of 2010, 5 years later, it is time for their second album “Chanson de la Croisade”. Unluckily for the band, it is also self-released, since they aren't yet signed by any label.

To set things straight from the beginning “Chanson de la Croisade” is a very professional release, with an excellent production, that hides a lot of work and “cost” behind it. Lemuria play a mixture of symphonic epic black metal with a very interesting sound. Siegfried's majestic synth orchestrations have the most dominant role in their music, with guitars having a more accompanying role. They have a very soundtrack-like approach and sometimes they remind me a much heavier version of Rhapsody. Of course there are parts where guitars take the lead with very powerful riffs, while they often offer us some excellent melodic solos. Their epic bombastic music is followed by Niklaas' amazing and expressive vocals! He mainly sings with aggressive brutal black metal screaming vocals, but he is equally good in other vocal styles too, something that adds a lot to the variety of this album. Acoustic and traditional instruments appear here and there, giving a folk touch to the album from time to time. Overall it's obvious that all members of Lemuria are very skilled and this album is perfectly produced and surprisingly solid. Coming to the compositions now, I believe that the band made a very ambitious effort. The structures are very complex, without following the typical bridge / refrain forms and their music is full of great melodies. There are some amazing epic songs like “The Slaughter of Innocence” and “Crusher of Souls”, while all songs are very very good. I just would like to see the personal “stigma” of the band: I mean this “characteristic sound” that makes a group recognizable among all other bands. Of course this is something that usually needs a lot of time and most probably it never happens. Their lyrics (in English) are epic fantasy oriented and are described with many details in the 28 page booklet!

Lemuria is a band that deserves your full attention, both listeners and labels! Fans of epic symphonic (cinematic) black metal will surely appreciate it. Despite the fact that it is self-released, the package is very professional, since it is in digipak, with a very “chubby” booklet, while the artwork is by Kris Verwimp (somehow different from his usual style). If you want to get a copy of “Chanson de la Croisade” you better visit directly band's webstore http://lemuriascrypt.bigcartel.com/ and if you want to get a taste of there music, there is their myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/lemuriascrypt

dimiarch

(8,5/10)