The new album by the classic Portuguese band proves once again that Moonspell can reinvent themselves, without ever losing the Gothic atmosphere that defines them. Hermitage is less bombastic than its predecessor (the excellent 1755), but still, this is an impactful album that demonstrates all phases of the band, from the calm of "All or Nothing", to the epic that is "The Hermit Saints". This is an album that deserves everyone's attention and that demonstrates, once again, that Moonspell is one of the most consistent and talented bands in all of metal. For me, a big 8!

Written by gabrielrsilva on 24.03.2021 at 12:14

This is an album that deserves everyone's attention and that demonstrates, once again, that Moonspell is one of the most consistent and talented bands in all of metal.

from the album sales and reviews on the internet it does look like it's getting a lot of attention. it's topped charts in Portugal for the 3rd week in a row. Fernando said in an interview the band doesn't care much for poor ratings and reviews as long as the ones reviewing have paid for the music, which makes sense. the band has accepted that whatever they do, they'll be criticized for it.

coming to metalstorm ratings, could this album be the "most appreciated poorly rated" album over here?

Written by The Melting Snow on 25.03.2021 at 09:24

Could this album be the "most appreciated poorly rated" album over here?

Why, isn't it doing well as is?
I recognise it as a sign of maturity when an album doesn't necessarily receive a hyped up 9/10 score on release. It's more credible when the rating given includes some admission of the weak points, even though you might enjoy an album.

Besides, unless you are dealing with a universally terrible album, most scores end up to be within the 5-10 range. Current 7.7 score does justice to the album and the band against the backdrop of their other work.

What's wrong with MS ratings? A solid 9 album for me even if you compare with their previous work. Maintained freshness and originality and maybe that's one reason why even fans have rated them less.

Written by metalbrat on 18.05.2021 at 19:51

Freshness and originality

not 2 words people like to hear about a 30 year old band. hence the low ratings.

Written by The Melting Snow on 19.05.2021 at 17:47

Written by metalbrat on 18.05.2021 at 19:51

Freshness and originality

not 2 words people like to hear about a 30 year old band. hence the low ratings.

:-[:-[

Going back to this, when spotify spilled over onto a song from Wolfheart after the album finished, it really emphasized how much more enjoyable I find modern Moonspell to be compared with their early days - I guess maybe that difference is why this seems to be quite a divisive album based on the score, but it's a really great record, would honestly pick it above the acclaimed Paradise Lost/Draconian records from last year

Came back to this after the torturous "aaaaa waaa baaa weee" of Helloween's new album.

Therapeutic.

@CECLOR who give it a 1/10..... even if you don't like music you can't deny the quality, the first time I listen to it a doesn't like it but the more and more I listen to it, the more I like it a really good mature album !

I seem to enjoy this quite a bit, possibly more than any of their albums after the Antidote. Would though have to revisit some of these albums before I can say for sure.

At first I didn't like the album very much, but then listened to it several times and now I can say openly that this album is masterpiece and probably my favorite album from them. It's not very heavy, but it's so damn good. I would highlight songs "The Greater Good", "Apophthegmata", "All or Nothing" (this one reminds me a bit of Pink Floyd style and Tiamat's "Pentagram"), "Entitlement" & "Hermitage". Those are all memorable songs. It's hard to choose which song I like most, but they're all so good, especially the first song "The Greater Good". Album also have some great guitar solos. In short, it's a masterpice album. I give it 10/10.

I have to say that I dig this one. I really like the more mellow and kind of psychedelic parts/elements in it, really enjoyable. Can I say it's some kind of psychedelic gothic metal album? Some passages in some songs remind me of Pink Floyd.