IRON BONEHEAD PRODUCTIONS is proud to present EMPIRE OF THE MOON's highly anticipated second album, ΕΚΛΕΙΨΙΣ, on CD, vinyl LP, and cassette tape formats.
Ancient and forever, EMPIRE OF THE MOON have been lingering ominously within the pantheon of classic Greek black metal since 1996. The band's first demo, 1997's For the Ancient Light of Sinn, is a short-length spectre of splendorous mysticism revered by fervent worshippers of the traditional Hellenic form. But, as with many matters concerning Greek classicism, EMPIRE OF THE MOON soon became a study of patience and perseverance, as it took nearly two decades for the band's next according to arrive. During the interim, naturally, its members were busy with other well-respected cults like Chaosbaphomet and Wampyrinacht.
When that recording did arrive, in 2014, it was EMPIRE OF THE MOON's first full-length, and what a statement it was: titled Πανσέληνος (or "Full Moon" in English), it transcended all the powerful promise of that first demo, its distant lunar shores a breathtaking landscape of timeless black metal majesty. It was a sound firmly rooted in ancient times, and so authentically antiquated was its push 'n' pull that it was actually far fresher than most "black metal" around it.
While six years is still a considerable amount of time for most bands, EMPIRE OF THE MOON aren't like most bands; they will their creations into being when inspiration strikes, when the stars are aligned. Alas, a total solar eclipse occurs as the moon completely covers the sun's disk, and thus does the time approach for a new chapter in the ongoing saga of EMPIRE OF THE MOON: their long-awaited second album, ΕΚΛΕΙΨΙΣ.
Tellingly translated to "Eclipse" in English, ΕΚΛΕΙΨΙΣ indeed eclipses anything the band has done to date - which is considerable, to say the least, with their axiom being quality over quantity. Utterly expansive despite its fairly compact runtime of 40 minutes, here do EMPIRE OF THE MOON unfurl a regal, stargazing statement of interstellar black metal. Atmosphere and aggression find the perfect balance across ΕΚΛΕΙΨΙΣ, symbiotically in harmony much in the way an eclipse complements a full moon. Its seven, interlinked songs create a canvas of mystery and mysticism, breathing the same ancient air EMPIRE OF THE MOON always have, but here rendered in remarkably gleaming form, with a production that's polished yet powerful, fully befitting their grand visions. As always, the spectral synths of S.V. Mantus imbue ΕΚΛΕΙΨΙΣ with an otherworldly aspect that's uniquely their own.
Hark! For the stars of the unlight sounds, interstellar clouds of occult lyrical concept, and fiery traditional emblems are now channeled in order! To manifest their esoteric visions to those with eyes to see, EMPIRE OF THE MOON hereby present their grandest statement yet with ΕΚΛΕΙΨΙΣ - the imperial moonlight will shine again!
supported by 43 fans who also own “Empire Of The Moon - Eclipse”
I’m not really into the album concept, but this is one of the best sounding bm albums I’ve ever heard. The drums I think make me prefer it to similar Greek bands. Everything from a musical standpoint is highly memorable and the production is perfect. Metallurgical Fire
supported by 37 fans who also own “Empire Of The Moon - Eclipse”
Gaerea's first release of "Unsettling Whispers" was in 2018, and since, they dared define a "black metal" niche of their own, they dared to walk a new path and stir shit up a bit in the realm of BM, this album is a masterpiece and a milestone proving that it can be done, provided the band can pull it off, and they did, oh they did! Gloomy, dark, post-BM sludgy whatever, it's Gaerea, and this one belongs in my BC collection, the end. sachavonkarl74
supported by 35 fans who also own “Empire Of The Moon - Eclipse”
A Pagan black metal masterpiece.
Folk and black metal elements fuse into one extremely catchy and awe inspiring album. This band does not disappoint from all the high praise sent it's way. Abyssius Murkraken
supported by 32 fans who also own “Empire Of The Moon - Eclipse”
The first 30 seconds of "Revenge by Fire" convinced me to get the whole album! It is a face-melting blend of speed and black metal, reminiscent of Hellripper! KVAEN is a Swedish solo project much like Hellripper but many known guest musicians helped J. Björnfot in his endeavor. Altogether it is really a solid debut album, I loved the melodies and the pace changes in the second half too, ending with a "calm" instrumental one. Well-done!! sachavonkarl74