Album Review: Vnder A Crvmbling Moon – II: Aging & Formless (Ripcord Records)

Out of the bleakness of mankind rise Vnder A Crvmbling Moon. Formed with the intention of creating a soundscape to lose yourself in, Vnder A Crvmbling Moon can best be described as post metal crossed with doom metal.

They released their debut album, ‘I: Oblivion’ in May 2023 via Church Road Records, and are back already with the follow up, ‘II: Aging & Formless’, out on April 5th, 2024, via Ripcord Records.

One of the more unique bands out there who are experts at creating immersive heavy music, Vnder A Crvmbling Moon haven’t wasted any time in coming back with their sophomore album, but that should just tell you how creative a force they are.

II: Ageless & Formless isn’t accessible music, it’s not the sort of stuff you put on while doing some household chores, or to liven up a party. Vnder A Crvmbling Moon like to take their time, growing a burgeoning sense of atmosphere, layering gloomy post rhythms within even gloomier doom soundscapes, and making it all feel so oppressive.

The capability to make you feel both wonder and dread should never be taken for granted, and few are as capable of doing this as Vnder A Crvmbling Moon. Seven tracks might not seem like much, but each is a gargantuan experience, even if it’s not always in length. We’re not just talking a journey that has a big effect on the mind, we’re talking about something transformative. No matter the depths plumbed, Vnder A Crvmbling Moon always find new dark paths to wander.

Within the first few tracks, Vnder A Crvmbling Moon will have almost everyone in the palms of their hand. The pairing of Nomad and Nocturnal Passenger is heavy post doom like nothing else, methodically crushing the mind, body, and spirit. It makes Procession’s super-synth sound almost laughable by comparison, except even this track is a stunner.

Then, along comes the lumbering lethargy of Breach the Sky, one of the most intensely heavy tracks of all because of the roaring vocal performance. Followed by the busier tempo of The Breathing of Monsters, a track with layers upon layers of powerful post. Before Fall… Still offers some brief respite with its deep melodic atmosphere, and Bury Me With the Fallen Trees takes what Vnder A Crvmbling Moon have done so far to an even more egregious level.

It’s an undertaking, that much is for sure, but if you feel up for it, you will be richly rewarded.

Vnder A Crvmbling Moon – II: Aging & Formless Track Listing:

1. Nomad
2. Nocturnal Passenger
3. Procession
4. Breach the Sky
5. The Breathing of Monsters
6. Fall… Still
7. Bury Me With the Fallen Trees

Links

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