CONSTELLATIA · Magisterial Romance | ORANGE LP

Orange vinyl, limited to 125 copies.

Background information about 'Magisterial Romance'

Dude, when Constellatia dropped "Magisterial Romance" in late 2022, they basically redefined what it means to make romantic black metal - and yeah, that's actually a thing now! This South African duo of Gideon Lamprecht and Keenan Oakes crafted something that's equal parts devastating and beautiful, weaving togetheratmospheric and progressive brand of black metal that encapsulates the spectrum of human emotions with its larger-than-life romantic compositions and soulful ambience. The album's four epic tracks, each clocking in around 10 minutes, take you through this incredible emotional journey whereCONSTELLATIA unfurl enlightening realms of joy, pure ecstasy, bitter romance and, in mere moments swallow the smiles in an immeasurable abyss of despair.

What makes this record absolutely stunning is how these guys managed to inject genuine vulnerability into their blackgaze sound.The trem-picked section in the middle of the solo stood out as particularly spectacular and as a relatively uncommon technique utilization, especially on opener "Palace" where triumphant solos burst through shimmery blackened sections. The inclusion of guest vocals from Alison Rachel on "Adorn" adds this empowering dimension that speaks to self-love and growth, while closer "Paean Emerging" showcaseslush and vibrant composition that makes great use of what sounds like strings acting as great tonal touches. This isn't just another post-black metal album - it'sa vulnerable piece of music that is expertly composed and played.

For fans of: Alcest, Cult of Luna, Deafheaven, Sylvaine, and Opeth

Track listing

A1. Palace
a. I Shimmering
b. II Sprawling
A2. In Vituperation
B1. Adorn
B2. Paean Emerging

Manufacturer: Sasu Soundworks Sarl, 126 Boulevard Bara, Heliopolis 2, Lot B4, 13013 Marseille, France, Contact: www.season-of-mist.com