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One of the numerous things I like about the underground is being able to discover new, lesser known and very talented artists on a regular basis. It is the case here again with this Germanic act, who just stepped into the scene with a very strong debut album. True that Germany is an ever growing breeding ground of very talented musicians, creating some of today's best darkened music. This is only emphasized by all the bands one could find either in the Black/Folk/Pagan and Viking Metal arts.

Lantlôs is a duo composed of Herbst (guitars, bass, drums and lyrics) and Angrau (guitars, bass and piano). They also invited a session vocalist by the name of Alboin (Geist). Once again, we have the chance to hear multi-instrumentalists, which is getting more and more frequent in the Black Metal scene, where talent and creativity abound. I just have a bit of a complaint about Alboin's vocals, for being too upfront and screamed/core, without becoming a real ear piercing experience, fortunately. According to the info on the slipcase, this album is: "The cold call of our dying modernity, such is the landscape evoked". Lantlôs' take on the Black Metal arts is one of intensely grim music, filled with melody and melancholic harmonies. Distorted guitars, chunky riffs and distorted arpeggios meet with clean guitar work as well as classical/acoustic guitars, much to my selfish pleasure. A touch of keyboards here and some samplings there, with additional electronic effects complete the atmospheric elements of this release. My favorite compositions happen to be all the odd numbers, including the closing, instrumental track which contains lots of acoustic and classical guitar parts.

Lantlôs is really a great Black Metal act worth checking, and keeping an eye for future accomplishments.