I have never physically visited Asia, one of the most densely populated regions in the world. Musically, however, I have been there many times already. One of my bands even once secured a record deal there, with Trinity Records, a label from Hong Kong. This Finsmoonth is not from Hong Kong but from Jakarta, which means we are in Indonesia. Their first release Affliction dates back to 2022 and was issued through Northern Silence Productions. Now they return with Chrysalis Of Astral Tears.
It has become a deeply personal album, carrying immense significance for the band and its members. After all, I understand that this is the final work to which bassist Aboed contributed before his passing. The Indonesian label Disaster Records has the band on its roster, alongside countless other acts. Come on, let’s fly to Jakarta and hear what this melodic black metal band with a post-metal edge has to say.
And? What is being told hits home immediately. A barrage of mighty riffs is fired at breakneck speed. The sound is fresh, though not quite fruity. The album radiates power and conviction throughout. One could easily believe they were listening to a band from mainland Europe or one of the surrounding islands. Think of bands from the French, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish schools of black metal. Refreshing? Absolutely! Amid all the brutal black metal aggression, the band occasionally eases off the gas. They insert contemplative passages and drape them with clean vocals. An excellent choice! At times, the sound gatthers distinct post-black metal characteristics.
It would do the band a disservice to describe only the highlights. On the other hand, I do not have pages to spare to put everything into prose. That is why I will provide a bit of guidance instead. The album is a masterpiece from beginning to end, but the opening track An Endless Depth, as well as Luminous Unveiling and especially Embers At Ethereal Dawn, stand out as truly exceptional.
Hop on a plane to Indonesia immediately. T Jakarta, to be exact. Seek out this band, Finsmoonth, congratulate the bandmembers personally and tell them that with their latest work Chrysalis Of Astral Tears, they have earned a place on the year-end list! What an album! Forget shipping costs and import duties, just order this thing physically. And if money is tight, lend your partner out for a few hours and you’ll have earned those hard-earned pennies back in no time.
Score:
95/100
Label:
Disaster Records, 2026
Tracklisting:
- An Endless Depth
- Foliage of the Wings
- Dimming Palette
- Luminous Unveiling
- Embers at Ethereal Dawn
- Presomnal
Line-up:
- Micco Rullyanto – Drums
- Zulk Adhe – Guitar
- Irwin Ryantho – Guitar
- Tino Guruth – Vocals
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