CD REVIEW: LUCIFERIAN LIGHT ORCHESTRA – Black EP

Label: Svart Records

Release Date: December 9, 2016

Rating: 8.5/10

Reviewed by: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur

Forget the cover. Forget the band name.  Forget any preconceived notion of black metal or the like.  This music is retro and is demonstrative of solid writing and playing.  Therion’s Christofer Johnsson formed this project as an avenue to release material that veered from his “day job” sound.  The result is a new EP of material that features no less than: 2 drummers, 1 bass player, 5 guitarists, 2 keyboard players, 3 Hammond organists, 4 lead singers, and 5 backing singers.  The resulting material kicks ass.  “Evil Masquerade” is a heavy track that leans into a retro sound full of bass lines and ethereal vocals that take the song in a lighter area than would be thought based on first impressions.  The vocals are solid, the guitars and keyboards blend perfectly and give this song a cool feel that hints at a pop/metal hybrid.  “Where The Lilies Grow” is my favorite on the short collection, thanks to its full riffs, the wall of sound vocals, and the killer Hammond organ sound that permeates the song throughout, especially at the chorus and bridge.  The song has a cool sound that hints at Deep Purple-like influence in writing and playing.  “Serpent Messiah” picks up the pace a bit, but without taking on a breakneck speed.  The drumming and percussion is fun and keeps the tempo in check while the vocals and guitars swirl in a musical storm that perfectly drapes the song in beautiful noise.  The timing changes throughout are show just how well the song is constructed and performed.  Closer “Thunder Perfect Mind” is the song that seems to lend itself to the heavier image and impression that may be intended by song titles and artwork.  The track has a different feel than the other three here, but it works in the parameters set forth and adds depth to the EP.  This 4-track disc has pushed me to check out previous works from the collective known as Luciferian Light Orchestra.

​​​Tracklisting: Evil Masquerade – Where The Lilies Grow – Serpent Messiah – Thunder Perfect Mind

LUCIFERIAN LIGHT ORCHESTRA LINKS:

OFFICIAL SITE

FACEBOOK

BLACK EP – ITUNES

Category: CD Reviews