Representing the Odesa Oblast, Ukrainian atmospheric black metal project Labyrinthus Stellarum has been concocting experimental metal for the past few years, from blackened atmospheres to cosmic, electronic fusion.
Brother duo Alexander and Misha Andronati previously unveiled the Lovecraftian and celestial records Tales of the Void and Vortex of the Worlds in 2023 and 2024, but the prolific musicians are unveiling yet more music this year.
Rift in Reality continues such innovative genre-mixing and thematic immersion. Opening track “Voyagers” leans heavy on the synths, appealing to fans of The Browning or Born of Osiris, where the following piece “Ravenous Planet” churns out symphonic black metal in late Dimmu Borgir territory, fitting for a song about a hivemind upon the planet of Arkhloon.
Conceptually exploring inter-dimensional evil, Alex’s growls and clean vocals provide a stellar duality throughout Rift in Reality, most notably “Take Me Home” and the title track.
Boasting artwork by Mark Cooper (Rings of Saturn, Brand of Sacrifice), the new album is now available on CD and colored vinyl via Archivist Records and Northern Silence Productions.