(Wolves Of Hades)
Seems M took that Immortal criticism to heart. The one man show who lights the Lamp Of Murmuur crushed the metal world with his 2023 release Saturnian Bloodstorm. It drew many comparisons to At The Heart Of Winter-era Immortal. It didn’t detract from the album’s quality, but there was a hammering of an overt similarity.
So, on album #4, M empties the cupboard for a fervent storm of gothic black metal. The Immortal influence is still present along with some Old Man’s Child, Sisters Of Mercy, a little ‘80s new wave, and a tick of early Tribulation. Each track holds distinct character and has a magnetic impact waiting to see where it takes you.
The Dreaming Prince In Ecstasy seems to be a concept of sorts of a man falling to his temptations and paying the price for them. It is crushingly heavy with M’s disturbed, shrouded growls and searing guitars combined with diabolical drumming, humming bass, and dynamic guitar passages filled with extreme fire and melodic beauty.
There is some play with synth to accentuate the atmosphere and the downward spiral our main character is drifting towards. It also takes on almost a dance pop flavor in the brilliant “Moondance”. The Dreaming Prince In Ecstasy trilogy towards the end is nothing sort of astonishing in its effectiveness. M also brings out this clean voice that is like a mix of Ian Astbury and Tribulation’s Johannes Andersson.
Just when you think the Lamp is done with its tricks, the album ends with a full-on acoustic ballad. M’s deep, clean voice reflects on what’s become of him.
The depth of creativity, composition, and the melding of different influences is stunning. Highly recommended and after a dynamite live performance supporting Blackbraid on a U.S. tour, the Lamp’s stock will continue to rise.
