Metal Maniac

Before I got to listen to Blood of Kingu’s “Dark Star on the Right Horn of the Crescent Moon”, I read about four reviews from people that I find their opinions interesting and it was unanimously considered that the band’s latest effort wasn’t that great. I was very disappointed because I’ve always been blown away by Saenko’s releases with Drudkh, Blood of Kingu and Hate Forest. Of course some I liked more, some I liked less and after a few spins, I didn’t really enjoy one project that he had with a famous musician.
So, I heard the album. I don’t know if my expectations completely lowered down and when I heard “Dark Star on the Right Horn of the Crescent Moon” and that’s the reason, but I don’t really think so, I really, really loved the album. It has all what a Blood of Kingu fan wants to listen to. What I don’t understand is that many talk about repetition, repetition, repetition, but if a band tries something completely different, they complain that the band isn’t what it was before. I guess it’s the human nature; we are never completely pleased with anything. But I digress.

As I mentioned, in my modest opinion, of a music fan, I found the album simply outstanding. The atmosphere menacing, powerful, dark and epic; it’s almost tyrannical, as I’ve read somewhere around the internet, I think it was on the noncleansinging website. The music is primal, atmospheric and, yes, the guitar riffs are repetitive, but these are all “features” that Drudkh and Blood of Kingu listeners enjoy. Saenko’s guttural vocals are present, insane drumming as well as some industrial elements. No, this is traditional Black Metal, the industrial elements are there to create some atmosphere; you’ll not listen to a “techno album”, it’s an apocalyptical release that, as you might conclude, could be a soundtrack to the end of the world, if that ever happens. .

I think that these musicians’ releases are always, even though extreme and dark, very elegant, exquisite and artistic, a true art form of the occult and not being caricaturist. “Dark Star on the Right Horn of the Crescent Moon” is indeed a monstrous and magnificent work of art. And I always urge you all to do what is in your hands to support the band, no matter what, even a simply share on a Facebook wall is something. I hope and wish that many will give “Dark Star on the Right Horn of the Crescent Moon” a try, in my modest view, an ethereal and refined album.

Grade: 9,8/10

Band: Blood of Kingu

Album: Dark Star on the Right Horn of the Crescent Moon (2014)

Label: Season of Mist

Tracklist:

1. Crowned Scarlet Moon Is Waiting for Eclipse

2. He Who Is Not to Be Named

3. Mother Hydra

4. Enshrined in the Nethermost Lairs Beneath the Oceans

5. Red Star on the Path of Ea

6. Sigil of the Watcher

7. Prayer to the Gods of Night

8. The Bringer of Pestilence

9. The Cycle Returneth

Blood of Kingu is:

Roman Saenko – Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards

Krechet – Bass

Yuriy Sinitsky – Drums

Thurios – Guitars

Vlad – Keyboards

Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blood-of-Kingu/121725098029258

All photos belong to their rightful owners.