I was totally amazed when I first listened to the sophomore album by Labyrinthus Stellarum – their cosmic/space black metal is ingenious, awe-inspiring and truly unique, breathing new life into the black metal scene. As I’ve previously written, Labyrinthus Stellarum are casting a radiant light into the dark realms of black metal. Now, just a few months later, the Ukrainian band returns with their third full-length offering, titled “Rift in Reality”. And my reaction is… wow! Brothers Alex and Misha Andronati have delivered their most mature and cohesive work to date, refining their distinctive style and elevating their sonic identity. If “Vortex of the Worlds” was an unexpected and delightful surprise, then “Rift in Reality” is nothing short of a masterpiece. Labyrinthus Stellarum are not merely continuing what they started – they are surpassing expectations and expanding their cosmic vision. This new album is not just a step forward; it is a giant leap – a magnum opus born of inspiration, passion and bold artistic vision. With “Rift in Reality”, a new voyage begins: a multidimensional journey for all who dare to follow these celestial pioneers. The gates to outer space are wide open, the astral dance begins, and the vast fields of the universe await us. Undoubtedly, bands like Blood Incantation have paved the way for cosmic and psychedelic directions in extreme metal. However, Labyrinthus Stellarum possess a strong identity of their own. The band from Odessa continues to draw influence from space rock and progressive music, yet this third album sees them delving deeper into ambient, electronic and ethnic soundscapes. I wouldn’t be exaggerating if I referred to them as the Ozric Tentacles of black metal. Their use of keyboards is simply brilliant – lush, atmospheric and tastefully integrated. The textures they weave are rich and transcendent, while the emotional weight they carry is both profound and intense. Remarkably, all of this is achieved without ever compromising their black metal core. I am utterly astonished by “Rift in Reality”. This album firmly establishes Labyrinthus Stellarum as the torchbearers of cosmic black metal. Lost in the void, drawn toward distant stars and unfathomable realms, we stand in awe. Let us welcome and congratulate these bold voyagers – true heroes of the astral abyss.
♦ 9/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
