'Nerone' and 'Horned One', much like most of the tracks on 'Lunar Cross', seem to be influenced by both traditional black metal and dark, ritual folk music. Of course, adding instruments like Norwegian horns, hurdy-gurdy and violins usually help creating this mysterious and gloomy atmosphere, which works quite well on this album. Yet, don't get me wrong, Lord Seth, the man behind all of this, still knows how to throw some fierce blackened music in your face.
There are some strange piece of music on this album too. 'If Somebody Die' is one of them, a hypnotic, repetitive and harsh piece of music that somewhat reminds me of gothic metal, drenched in an industrial cesspool, or something like that. It sure is one of my favorites on this album. Or how about the mystic blackened gothrock track 'Baptized By Fire and Sword'? Another brilliant track.
The verdict? Well, this is another awesome album from an artist that walks his own path, regardless of trends and genre limitations. Throughout the years, Satarial has simply been doing whatever he wants and it always resulted in something interesting. Some people understand that, others just won't get it. If you like anything the act has released over the years, you will also like this album, no doubt about that. If you didn't know Satarial, check it out, it will expand your extreme horizon...
Serge