REVIEW

The eleventh album from Russian cosmic post-black metal project Nebula Orionis.

Nebula Orionis is the solo project of Alexander, a professional orchestral percussionist, which he began in 2013. With over a decade of experience, he draws inspiration from 20th-century composers such as Shostakovich and Rachmaninoff, as well as atmospheric black metal, crafting music that layers synths and piano over a black metal foundation to create expansive, beautiful soundscapes.

While the previous album, Sorrow, leaned heavily into post-black metal with blast beats, this release takes a more melodic approach, centering on mid-tempo passages and bringing synths to the forefront. Against a backdrop of heavy guitars, shimmering synths and piano drift like stars across the cosmos, evoking the sensation of gazing upon a vast galaxy from aboard a spaceship. Black metal-derived screams, present in earlier releases, continue here, punctuating the ethereal textures with dramatic flair. The unique resonance of vocals and instruments—sometimes sounding as if emerging from ten meters away—recalls the raw atmosphere of early black metal.

Fans of sci-fi-tinged post-metal and blackgaze acts such as Enshine and Unreqvited will likely find much to appreciate. For those unsure where to start among the extensive catalog: Winter Hymns (2015) is recommended for a colder, more melancholic sound, while Sorrow (2023) suits those who prefer a heavier, more intense experience.

Prepare to embark on a sweeping journey through the Orion Nebula and beyond.