LUMEN AD MORTEM – A GRAVE ASCENT

Opening the album, the instrumental 'What Was Lost' sets the stage with cinematic soundscapes and a battle-ready atmosphere that steadily builds in intensity. It evokes the feeling of calm before an inevitable confrontation, creating a mounting sense of anticipation for the chaos that is about to unfold. As an introduction, it succeeds in drawing the listener straight into the album's dark and immersive world.

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The real opening statement comes in the form of 'The Departed'. A massive, throaty scream immediately demands attention, accompanied by hammering blast beats and subtle melodic undertones. Delivered with a venomous edge and enhanced by layers of reverb, the vocals take on an even more sinister character, while the composition maintains an oppressive atmosphere throughout. Only the closing moments offer a brief moment to gather your thoughts as the song fades out with a restrained, almost traditional ending.

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'Never Ceded' embraces the spirit of old-school black metal from the very first distorted, raw-sounding riff. Tormented screams, buried beneath layers of agony, hatred, and reverb, reinforce the song's bleak atmosphere, while marching drums, subtle melodic undertones, and restrained clean vocals add welcome depth. Although the bass never takes center stage, its steady presence ties the composition together and gives the track additional weight. 

The title track, 'A Grave Ascent', opens with delicate piano melodies accompanied by rainfall, creating an atmosphere of calm melancholy. Slow, steadily advancing drums gently carry the composition forward before gradually gaining strength. The vocals remain the dominant force throughout, yet every instrument is given room to breathe, allowing the guitars, bass, and drums to contribute equally to the song's emotional depth. At times, the songwriting recalls the haunting atmosphere of Ellende, making this one of the album's most moving and immersive moments. 

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Closing the album, 'And What Is Yet to Lose' brings the journey full circle, opening with grand, elaborate melodies that echo the atmosphere established by the introductory track. Spanning more than ten minutes, the composition unfolds patiently, its flowing instrumentation creating an immersive listening experience. Just as the listener settles into its melancholic beauty, sinister vocals tear through the calm, restoring the album's cold and unforgiving character. Blending relentless black metal with haunting melodies and carefully crafted dynamics, Lumen Ad Mortem delivers a powerful and deeply satisfying finale.

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With "A Grave Ascent", LUMEN AD MORTEM have crafted a captivating black metal album that seamlessly balances blistering aggression with haunting atmosphere and emotional depth. Dynamic songwriting, memorable melodies, and an unwavering sense of immersion make this a compelling listening experience from beginning to end and a worthy step forward for the Australian quartet. 

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SCORE 9/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY

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