Zyklus

Here we have Lunar Aurora’s 6th full length release, which is very different from their previous works. This doesn’t sound anything like the epic Ars Moriendi or the melodic and atmospheric Elixir of Sorrow. Regardless, it’s definitely Lunar Aurora, and they still haven’t disappointed.

The word “Zyklus” is German for “cycle.” The theme of this album is the parts of the day – Der Morgen, Der Tag, Der Abend and Die Nacht (Morning, Day, Evening, Night). Zyklus only has four songs but don’t be disappointed – they range from 7 minutes to 16 minutes.

Musically, Zyklus is neither catchy nor easy to listen to. Some melody can be found but you have to listen for it very well. There’s tons of repetition. What you get instead is a cold, bleak, “infinite” like atmosphere. I'm going to say cold a lot for this review, because that's the one word that really describes this album.

Ambient sounds, some synths, raw guitars, and thundering drums are what give Zyklus such a powerful atmosphere. Each track has an impressive introduction that does well to fit well with the actual theme of the track. Der Morgen, for example, starts off quietly and slow and even when the guitars and drums kick in, there’s no rush to get things moving. The first track can be considered the most peaceful on Zyklus, and as you listen to the tracks in order, they get much more intense.

I would say the best track is the final one, Die Nacht. Die Nacht has the best atmosphere. The introduction has a very sinister feel, then proceeds with cold raw guitars, then has a fairly melodic, though minimal sounding part around after 6 minutes. Towards the end the song slows down is generally light sounding for a bit, and then finally ends off going back up to speed.

I can’t really think of anything bad about Zyklus. For what it’s supposed to be about, it does a good job. I don’t think it should be any other way.

Lunar Aurora take you on a cold, desolate, almost endless journey with Zyklus, which many other bands fail to do. Like a Burzum album, Zyklus is one of those releases you need to listen to straight through to really get the most out of it and is one of those albums that get better with each listen. Listening to each track at its associated time is a good idea as well to really see most of the atmosphere involved. When I think of Zyklus, I like to imagine a journey of wandering in a massive forest at the time before dawn until it becomes pitch black out and civilization and humanity have rested temporarily until fading away into the infinity of the night before one sees dawn again.

Zyklus is a grim, cold-hearted album that is not for the weak. Those who want atmosphere, look no further! Highly recommended.

Lunar Aurora are my favourite black metal band, and I regard Ars Moriendi (original version) as probably the best black metal album of all time.However, I have reservations about Zyklus. I feel that although beautifully cold and atmospheric, the tracks can become monotonous due to the length and repetition of riffs. I have played the cd many times, and it does improve greatly with each listen. I just feel that if some of the tracks were trimmed in length they would be far stronger. Also, the endings of some tracks seem unfinished and unrealized - which has never been a trait of Lunar Aurora in any part of their songwriting before. By unfinished I don't mean in the rawness of the tracks, which is great, but that you feel left hanging in the air sometimes.
O.K. Apart from that negative stuff, I will say that I understand what they are trying to do with this album - to go against the grain of many black metal bands with their later albums and NOT go death metal or symphonic, but go back to the true roots of black metal, i.e. bare bones riffing, production feel etc, (albeit with keyboards and effects) and I have nothing if not absolute respect for their integrity. There are so few around who would re-evaluate this way and take a course which is the absolute opposite of a sell-out. And I would also like to say that the sound is incredible.This is probably the scariest black metal album you will hear.
Raw, yet atmospheric and layered, and with intros that will chill your spine!

I'll start off by saying that this is one of the best albums I've heard in awhile. I haven't heard any material of this band until now but, through the first song I was very impressed. From the visual imagery on the bands site, this is just what I expected... cold, dark, grim, atmospheric Black Metal, and let me say... it is amazing.

Throughout the album, there are ambient soundscapes that pull you further down into the frozen depths of what Zyklus is. The raw guitars, the bass, blasting drums, and keys further increase the coldness of this album. There are also some acoustic guitars thrown in the mix which adds to the atmosphere perfectly. The vocals go from raw screaming to growls which fit wonderfully as well.

The cold atmosphere of this album is so strong and is, without a doubt, one of the best Black Metal albums that I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. The only thing I can say is that this is a perfect masterpiece.