Country of origin:Germany

Location:Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia

Status:Active

Formed in:2018

Genre:Atmospheric Black Metal

Lyrical themes:N/A

Current label:Northern Silence Productions

Years active:2018-present

At this time of writing, Cosmic Autumn's self-titled debut recording was available in digital album format on Bandcamp but a physical release of the album is slated some time soon. That will be a very welcome event as this album is a solid effort in its digital form and may sound better on CD. The production gives this new German band (it's a one-man project as far as I can find out) a clean and clear sound, important for those moments when the music on some songs goes acoustic and melancholy. The guitars are chainsaw-noisy and gritty though not especially sharp, the percussion is ... well, it does its job and no more.

Intro track "The Last Deception" is certainly not deceptive in delivering a straightforward melodic BM song heavy on tremolo guitar riffing and muted jackhammer blast-beat percussion. Atmospheric synth touches and a mournful solo acoustic guitar melody complete what would otherwise be a basic guitars-n-drums package. "Event Horizon" brings in a speedier pace and a more dramatic style as the song swings from riff to riff, melody to melody, lead guitar solo to lead guitar solo, all with cold icy ambient synth wash in the background; it seems as if Cosmic Autumn is embarking on something monumental but thanks to the song's minimal style it never becomes pompous. The prog-rock tendency becomes even more prominent on "Indistinct Visions" with stirring strummy riffs.

The last couple of songs are the longest, each clocking over 10 minutes and featuring some very dramatic instrumental music and choral singing evocative of past deeds of war and heroism in an age when people fought for their faith, their ideals and the land that nourished them and their communities. "Realms of Eternal Night" has some very rousing, passionate guitar work which pushes on and on, no matter what dangers and challenges are set before the warrior heroes on their noble quest in the movie spooling in your head in response to the music. "Solitude" is an all-instrumental lament mixing post-BM and dark urban blues elements into Cosmic Autumn's minimal BM style..

A lot of thought and care has been put into song composition and creating mood and atmosphere, and the result is quite a varied album. I'd have liked to hear a more distinct sound, perhaps featuring more live instruments appropriate to the music, like a lute on some tracks, for a sharper edge or a more intense feel. The last track seems rather long and repetitive and either editing it for length or including another instrument (like acoustic guitar or piano) might improve it. The drumming needs to be stronger and more powerful to support the guitars and give the music more aggression. On the whole though, this debut is quite a good start for Cosmic Autumn - here's hoping the music here is a launch-pad for a long and interesting solo project.