Cult of Luna + Process of Guilt @ Paradise Garage

29 January 2013

The proof that post-metallers Cult of Luna have a loyal and committed fanbase in Portugal is that, despite being a working day and the cold temperatures felt outside, Paradise Garage was fully crowded to watch the return of the Swedes to these shores.
Opening for Cult of Luna was Portuguese doomsters Process of Guilt, who put out a great record last year entitled “Faemin”, so their set was unsurprisingly dominated by tracks from that excellent album. As expected they delivered an impressive performance, their combination of ire and gloom was tight and perfectly synchronized, and provided a great set-up for headliners Cult of Luna.
But the night clearly belonged to the Swedes, whose vast line-up currently includes no less than seven active members, which means that they can recreate live the complex and heavily layered songs created in the studio with impressive accuracy and energy. Their performance started off with “The One”, the instrumental track that opens their latest album “Vertikal”, quickly followed by the powerful “I: The Weapon”. Short on words, Cult of Luna delivered a set to remember, which drew heavily from their exceptional new record, though they also played some old favourites, including "Finland" from “Somewhere Along the Highway” and "Owlwood" and “Ghost Trail” from “Eternal Kingdom”.
For many people, it was one of the best gigs they'd seen this year and possibly even one of the best they'd ever seen and that applies to me as well.

Photos: Francisco Cordeiro
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Five years after their last outing, Sweden’s Cult of Luna return this year with their most ambitious and cohesive record yet. Long time fans of the band never had much to complain about, they’re simply incapable of making a bad record, but what is truly amazing is that they continue to top themselves with each new release. “Vertikal” like most of their past efforts is a challenging and heavily-layered album that demands time and attention, it may not be as immediately invigorating as “Eternal Kingdom” or “Somewhere Along the Highway”, but further listens reveal a truly fascinating record that sees the Swedes at the peak of their powers.
Influenced by Fritz Lang's 1927 movie, Metropolis, this new record shows a greater emphasis on electronic and repetitive sounds, creating a colder, darker and more urban atmosphere that superbly reflects the dystopian narrative of the movie it draws inspiration from. Songs like “Synchronicity”, “Mute Departure” and “Vicarious Redemption” along with some Kraftwrek-driven instrumentals truly impart the sense of despondency that is associated with Lang’s futuristic vision of the world.
It might have taken a while to complete, but “Vertikal” is definitely worth the wait, it’s challenging and intriguing and ultimately an amazing album. 

Band info: www.cultofluna.com
Label info: www.indierecordings.net

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