Emerging Artist Reviews

Album Review: Cult Of The Moon "Lunar Eclipse"

by The Metalverse

Updated February 13, 2026

Album Review: Cult Of The Moon "Lunar Eclipse"

Melodic black metal band Cult Of The Moon has just released their debut album "Lunar Eclipse".

The album starts with the title track as atmospheric clean guitar melodies create a hautning, ambient introduction to the song. Soon enough, heavy guitar tones are introduced alongside hard-hitting drum grooves, instantly creating a sense of contrast between the melodic clean guitar and modern metal instrumentals. Rapid guitar tremolos, speeding blast beats, and raw, echoing screams showcase the band's black metal influences at the forefront of their sound. The band creates a certain catchiness through the melody of clean guitar before eventually fading with an outro similar to the track's intro.

"Sun Suffering" wastes no time, catapulting straight into fast tremolos and thrash-worthy blast beats. While the instrumentals sound quite clear, the band's vocals take the form of "lofi", slightly distant, shrill growls and screams that are characteristic of black metal music. Drawing influence from acts like Deafhaven, Behemoth, and Uada, Cult Of The Moon showcases a traditional black metal sound while adding a melodic contrast to the music that keeps things interesting. An ambient bridge introduces thumping bass lines and groovy drum beats before launching back into full intensity. "Sun Suffering" fades out with a dark piano piece, introducing classical piano for the first time in the album thus far.

"Sheol" starts with perhaps an ode to Metallica's "For Whom The Bell Tolls" fashion, as fire crackles and a distant church bell can be heard chiming. Soon drop-tuned guitar is introduced alongside vocals that gradually grow in volume before the track bursts into full action. I notice the lofi effect on the instrumentals slightly more in this track than the previous two, as lightningh fast blast beats really sell the black metal sound. "Sheol" is the longest song of the album at just over 6 minutes in length. The track takes its time to build anticipation in its intro before full intensity leads into a groovy bridge, beforeonce again jumping into blistering action.

Next is "Curse" which begins with a drum fill as the band leads into distorted chords and impactful drum beats. Soon, screams are brought into the fray as delay bounces around the soundscape. In the bridge, booming bass and drums are pushed to the forefront before gentle guitar melodies add a contrasting sense of melody. Eventually, Cult Of The Moon jumps back into full-on black metal destruction to finish out the song.

"Under the Wings Of Divine Presence" begins with a cinematic intro, suiting its name as dark strings and reverbed clean guitar soon make way for slamming guitar riffage and explosive drums. Chunky instrumentals soon lead into full speed thrash sections that give that tell-tale sign of black metal. A shredding guitar solo shows technical ability before ending with a final burst of brutality.

"Beneath My Leaves" starts with bright guitar and energetic drums that give me a hint of early metalcore vibes. Dynamic guitar leads cut through the mix as tempos speed up and fierce vocals are brought back to the front. So far, I enjoyed the mix of 2000's melodic metal with black metal in this track the most and found it to be one of the most memorable songs so far.

"Retribution" keeps it short and action-packed with a 3 and a half minute runtime that bursts straight into black metal pacing before slowing things down for a bending guitar solo. From start to finish, "Retribution" keeps a high level of energy that will leave you bobbing your head.

"The Dawn That Never Comes" starts with dramatic chugging as symphonic choirs and string hits create a clear symphonic sound that really levels up the sound. Speeding thrash sections are contrasted by held-out chords and orchestral elements that change things up from the norm. After a soaring guitar solo, the song fades out with a final burst of energy. I really enjoyed the orchestral elements added in this track and find that it breaks up the straight black metal influences nicely. I'd love to see more of the orchestral elements throughout their music, as it matches the band's sound very well.

The final track, "Lonely God" sets itself up with a haunting lullaby-esque melody as melodic guitar grows in volume before metal guitars are introduced. Bright dual guitar lead harmonies are brought in, creating a dynamic sound that really matches the chugging underneath very well. Slowed groove sections soon make way for electrifying double bass drumming and guitar tremolos before the lullaby outro is brought back to fade out the song.

With "Lunar Eclipse" Cult Of The Moon showcases a visceral black metal sound that blends melodic atmospheres, orchestral elements, and deep soundscapes with a familiar black metal sound. Filled with crushing instrumentation, explosive vocals, and a dynamic sense of contrast between melody and heaviness, Cult Of The Moon delivers an exciting sound with their debut release.

You can stream Cult Of The Moon's debut album "Lunar Eclipse" available on all streaming platforms now. Fans of symphonic metal, melodic death metal, and black metal should check this out!