Progressive post-hardcore-metal. Or something. That's the rare style that was originally embraced by California legends Neurosis, and a few bands have carried the flame over the last few years, like Isis, Mare, Callisto, Pelican, Rwake, and Cult Of Luna. Cult Of Luna has been around for a little while, releasing two albums ("Cult Of Luna" and "The Beyond") prior to their 2004 release "Salvation". They have embraced this style that Neurosis practically invented, though in a more simplistic direction, yet just as epic and agressive as the originators.

"Salvation" is a well produced, well executed third release from these Swedish titans. 'Echoes' has an amazing, almost suspenseful build up for the song. 'Vague Illusions' really feels like an Isis song, and yet, it still is all Cult Of Luna's own. 'Crossing Over' has a rarity for this band, where the song is more of a "ballad" per se, and clean vocals are used in the last part of the song. The album really flows as a whole, as the tracks are almost seamless from one to the next. But, from 'Adrift' to 'White Cell', the burst of sound that starts the latter song really hurts the flow, as it is so sudden and unexpected. Still, this is actually a more relaxing album than one would expect. The biggest problem with the album, though, is that the songs seem to follow a rough pattern of short soft beginning, massive section, quiet mid-section, massive section, soft ending, OR long soft beginning, loud midsection, quickly to quiet near end. There are a few variations here and there, but it's just a redundant loop. Still, the album is well executed, and the repetative pattern doesn't hurt as much as many would think.

After the 73 minutes that this album takes up, you realize these guys are here to stay. While they may not lead the charge of this style, they will certainly be players for years to come. Although I prefer their second relase "The Beyond" over this one, "Salvation" is still a strong album, one that fans of later Neurosis material (i.e., "A Sun That Never Sets" and "The Eye Of Every Storm") will enjoy, and I'm glad to say I've heard these guys.

Cult of Luna website

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