Old Moon’s Self-Titled Debut: A Haunting Journey Through Darkness and Emotion
Prepare to be captivated by Old Moon, the dark, brooding creation of Michael Priest, whose debut album is set to release on November 5, 2024. With a musical blend that pulls from the best of blackened melodic metal and post-black metal, Old Moon dives into themes of sorrow, grief, and loss, offering a sound that’s as cathartic as it is intense. Fans of bands like Swallow the Sun, Harakiri for the Sky, and Gaerea will find themselves at home here, though Old Moon brings its own unique blend of atmosphere and emotional gravity that sets it apart.
Hailing from the misty, somber backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, Old Moon isn’t just music—it’s an experience. Michael Priest, known for his work with Gone In April, Idolatrous, and ex-Boudica, has harnessed his artistic vision to build something deeply personal and emotionally resonant. With each track, he pulls listeners into the depths of human despair, exploring the darkest corners of existence. Yet, as he says, “within these dark spaces, there is a certain beauty in the melancholy—a kind of solace for those who have felt the weight of the world.”
This album achieves what few in the genre can: marrying the raw intensity of blackened metal with lush orchestration and melodic death metal. The album’s songs are crafted with a painstaking attention to detail. Priest’s guitar work is mesmerizing, weaving between aggressive riffs and haunting, atmospheric tones. The orchestral layers add a depth that is immersive, drawing listeners further into the shadows that the album explores.
Tracks like “Through Shattered Veils” and “Eternal Eclipse” showcase Priest’s masterful ability to balance heavy and melodic elements, while the lyrics delve into existential struggles that feel both universal and deeply personal. Each song on this album invites the listener to confront their own inner battles, making Old Moon not just an album, but a mirror to the soul.
With this debut, Old Moon is positioning itself to be a powerful force within the melodic death and black metal scenes. Michael Priest’s vision and artistic prowess have given birth to a sound that is both timeless and achingly current. It’s a darkly beautiful offering, with Priest proving himself as a storyteller through sound, one whose voice and guitar speak directly to the heart of the disillusioned and introspective.
