Winnipeg-based Cell are back with their second album, following on from 2016’s ‘The Frozen Moon of Erebath’. Hyperion (guitar, vocals) and Deimos (bass, backing vocals) have been joined for this album by drummer Hypnos who replaced Void. The band blends elements of black metal with other genres to create what they call cosmic black metal. It certainly is unusual as while there are sections where they are pure black metal, there are plenty of others where it is only the vocals that makes one think of that style, as they keep switching it up and moving it around. Their concept is based on a science fiction comic book idea that Hyperion was working to bring to life but decided instead to turn into music for this release.

Apparently they use a lot of art and theatre within the live show including using corpse paint, blood, armour, pro audio lights, and lasers, but all I can go by here is the music, which is incredibly tight. Some black metal is deliberately difficult to get into, or has more image than substance, but that is not the case here as what we have are a very tight metal act who are bringing together extreme forms in a way which is actually quite commercial. There are very strong hooks, yet they can also bring in the atmosphere when it is needed, but it is far more in your face than the more atmospheric versions. This is an album that is certainly going to appeal to those who wouldn’t normally even consider going anywhere near corpse paint, as it is more crossover than just “plain” black metal and is certainly worth investigating as there is nothing about this that feels like an independent release. It can only be a matter of time until they get picked up by a major – well worth checking out.

Rating: 7/10

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/cellcosmicgods/