January 1994 Vulpecula
busted on the scene like a star exploding in the sky. Taking "space
music" and death/black metal and trying to combine it in such a way
to push the boundaries of the extreme. Eerie atmospheres dominate this disc,
some so raw that you just feel uneasy while you listen. Like the anticipation
of a death in a horror movie. “In Dusk Apparition” was recorded
and produced from 1996 until 1998. The band split up after the recording
was done from what I understand. I’m assuming that’s why there
was time since the album was completed. Tracks are good length, some dark
atmosphere for fillers. Mid-paced, and fast-paced tempo variations…but
nothing really that blows you out of the water. Solos are sufficient. Guitars
sound a little quiet compared to the other elements of the band. Personally
I’d increase those levels. The melodic black leads and raspy blackened
vocals are what you grasp the most from Vulpecula. They are basically raw
black metal in my opinion, a little too ordinary for today’s standards,
but if this was released 8 or 9 years ago, when it was recorded, they could
be mentioned in the class of bands like Epoch of Unlight, Dark Throne, Borknagar,
and Carpathian Forest. But now? Sorry but they really don’t have anything
fresh to offer. “Celestial” was my favorite track on the disc,
but a few others we respectable too. The third track you may find weird
compared to the other tracks because it has an 80’s rock beat in it.
Well that’s because it’s a cover of Peter Schilling's 1983 hit
“Major Tom (Coming Home).” So that’s why it sounds a little
awkward/weird. Five tracks and almost thirty-two minutes of black metal
from Kansas City, Missouri!
Rating: 69
Reviewed By: Jeffrey D. Adkins |
