With Rift In Reality, Labyrinthus Stellarum have established a remarkable pattern of productivity, releasing each of their albums like clockwork at precise 13-month intervals. Stylistically, the band continue right where they left off. The two Andronati brothers, the masterminds behind this project, present once again their unique approach of lively atmospheric black metal that heavily relies on vibrant, electronic elements.
As far as I can tell, after reading the lyrics, Rift In Reality seems to be a concept album, describing interstellar voyagers who have unlocked a gateway to another world. Yet, by opening this rift in reality, they accidentally release an evil race of parasites from the void, unleashing a cosmic plague.
Tonally, the music is quite varied. Sticking to a very fast pace for most of the runtime, the combination of sparkling synths and soaring guitar melodies creates an addictive energy that you can't help but move your body to. We all know how metal creates the urge to headbang, but bouncy, groovy songs like “Cosmic Plague” lean almost into disco and pop territories, where my legs feel the sudden desire to dance!
Rift In Reality also demonstrates more chill ambience, matching the drifting-in-space feeling. The trippy synth-playing on “Lost In The Void” creates a pleasantly hypnotic, psychedelic atmosphere, providing a seven-and-a-half-minute breather in the middle of this quite high-speed album. Throughout the album, the instrumentation is accompanied by ghostly, distorted vocals that alternate between blackened rasps and wispy, melodic cleans, fitting very well to the ever-morphing cosmic soundscape.
Lastly, besides the upbeat vibes, Labyrinthus Stellarum also deliver more aggressive elements such as on “Ravenous Planet”, characterized by its especially ferocious use of blackened vocals and harsh, sinister riffs. Overall, the most intense song of the album, and probably my favorite of the bunch, is the title track, “Rift In Reality”. Despite its short runtime of just 3:46 minutes, it is chock-full of catchy melody, with synths, drums, guitars, and vocals all working together to build up a truly groovy experience, before the song abruptly ends in an absolutely devastating breakdown.
In conclusion, Labyrinthus Stellarum continue playing their fun, energetic approach of cosmic black metal. Even though their style hasn't changed all that much for three albums straight, miraculously, their music still sounds as fresh and original as ever. Thus, Rift In Reality, just like their last album, is a strong contender for melodic black metal album of the year. For metalheads who like their atmoblack filled with life, this one's for you.
