As a consistently profound blend of blackgaze, ambient, post-rock, and black metal, the Ottawa-bound Unreqvited led by 鬼 (Ghost) takes a groundbreaking step toward a rather structured approach in terms of their soundscapes on their new album; incorporating elements from their past releases. With the release of A Pathway to the Moon –out via Prophecy Productions–, they transition into something beyond their borders; inclined more towards intricate lyrical expressions and clean vocals rather than instrumental-heavy elements. This change of trajectory also happens because of the fact that they recently transitioned into a full touring band with heavy focus on live performances. 

While they experimented with incorporating various new elements, they also managed to retain some of their usual expressions in terms of musical craftsmanship; including melancholic melodies, orchestral grandeur, and anthemic refrains. The delivery of the clean vocals presented on this album, accompanied by the Blackgaze arrangements, would remind the listeners of this album of Alcest and Sleep Token. Nevertheless, the most interesting part is that despite their blast beats-centered harsh soundscapes, in contrast, they also featured orchestral arrangements by Jamie Turton, which helps build a cinematic, atmospheric nuance to the album’s tones.

This album is a strong convergence between all things intense; it mixes desolate Blackgaze elements, post-Rock crescendos, and blasting ferocities of black metal. When it comes to the instrumental parts, they did an impeccable job in composing poly-rhythmic riffs and layers of complexities– while still balancing all the complex elements with laid-back slowcore influences. The range of eclectic diversity incorporated on this album varies a lot too; from tracks with pure orchestral sorcery, to tracks with melodic aggressions, to atmospheric tracks which are a reflection of the emotional depth that Unreqvited offers.

With all their significant sonic evolution, this album almost resembles a cinematic soundtrack with blackgaze undertones. The imagery is even more strengthened by the fact that they also have an artbook bonus track which features a cover of “Cornfield Chase”; a part of Hans Zimmer’s Interstellar composition.

Overall, this album shows its listeners that cosmic, stellar space-inspired soundscapes can also coexist with harsh transgressions and tenacities; making those two contrasting elements not mutually exclusive. Almost like a stellar creature that also manages to bear claws and fangs.

Buy the album here:
https://unreqvited.bandcamp.com/album/a-pathway-to-the-moon

8 / 10

RALKA SKJERSETH
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