In all the grand majesty and underground splendour of the Polish scene (Profanum, Infernum, Arkona etc.) and it’s abundant talent, there is one band which has repeatedly provided something above all that talent, something fiercely creative and individual that is still like no other in the Polish scene. Ever since the monumental release of Forever.Alone.Immortal, Lux Occulta has been a staunch example of fierce creativity and lush instrumentative genius brewing in the Polish wastelands amongst all the misanthropic imperial art. With Dionysos, the keyboard terrorist merely re-affirmed their status as one of the cream of the black metal scene, now with My Guardian Anger, Lux Occulta have created their masterpiece, a brooding, emotional, picturesque musical painting of beauty and intensity.

Admittedly, their old, moody past isn’t immediately apparent in the storming, raging, death-metal opening paean, and they almost sound like they’re emulating countrymen Behemoth’s new musical direction. However, when the shock subsides, the classic Lux Occulta keyboards once again come cascading and raining back in to the musical picture, dancing and waltzing into your consciousness as they sculpt the epic songscapes that they’re so notorious for.

Lux Occulta seems to have adopted a more progressive style on this one, as they’re no longer half as predictable as they were in prior recordings, they’ve upped the ante in both the areas of intensity and song-writing, crafting themselves some of their most memorable and musically proficient songs ever. The Lux Occulta on show here is more aggressive, more aware of what they can do and more ready to exploit those options to create masterpieces of an epic and majestic quality. If maturity is possessing Lux Occulta to exert themselves beyond all preconceived limitations, I can’t begin to imagine what the future might hold for this young troupe.

Very, very impressive indeed, and a must for your collection.

[10]

© 2000 equimanthorn