We have a special treat for listeners of “II“, since Ayloss has recorded bass guitar for this album, which was absent from the original recording, and done some extra post-production work.
The addition of bass lines in “II” changes the whole album’s atmosphere and depth. It’s not just listening to an enhanced recording, but a complete different experience on itself.
As if that was not good enough, both the 2xLP and the 2xCD versions of “II” will feature an unreleased track from these sessions, which was found along the process: “Penumbra“.
II is Spectral Lore’s first “real” album in terms of length and ambition, while Sentinel is Ayloss’ first strong effort in terms of production and efficiency.
II represents the first, if a little bit premature version of the Spectral Lore sound that was achieved by introducing more Metal elements into the experimental Ambient Black Metal sound of the debut.
In II the two elements of Metal and ambience are in a perfect balance, not making completely clear at any point if you’re listening to a Metal or an Ambient music album.
Also, II features the first really progressive and ambitious Spectral Lore composition, “The Thorns that Guide my Warpath“, which is one of Ayloss’ favourite up to this day.
For this vinyl issue of II we will be able to present the original Vierling‘s paintings at full size’s magnificence.
credits
released March 1, 2022
/// 2xLP VINYL VERSION:
• Gatefold sleeve printed on thick 425gsm Frovi stock cardboard, presenting the original Vierling‘s paintings at full size’s magnificence.
• 180gr heavy-weight vinyl.
• Vinyls come inside black-inked polylined paper bags.
• Remastered in New York by Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts, etc.) of Menegroth Studios
• Ayloss has recorded bass guitar for this album along 2020~2021, which was absent from the original recording, and done some extra post-production work.
The addition of bass lines in “II” changes the whole album’s atmosphere and depth. It’s not just listening to an enhanced recording, but a complete different experience on itself.
• Features an unreleased song from these sessions, which was found along the process: “Penumbra“.
/// 2xCD VERSION:
Limited to 500 copies worldwide.
• 6 panel full color Digipak with matte varnish.
• Remastered in New York by Colin Marston (Krallice, Gorguts, etc.) of Menegroth Studios
• Ayloss has recorded bass guitar for this album along 2020~2021, which was absent from the original recording, and done some extra post-production work.
The addition of bass lines in “II” changes the whole album’s atmosphere and depth. It’s not just listening to an enhanced recording, but a complete different experience on itself.
• Features an unreleased song from these sessions, which was found along the process: “Penumbra“.
///
5.0 / 5.0 Classic.
“The album is a musical expedition intended to be explored without distraction of thought.
So lay down, close your eyes, and enjoy.”
(Sputnikmusic)
“A pilgrimage through arboraceous landscapes, macabre corridors, life’s pulchritude, exhilarating celebrations and harrowing resentment, careful not to overlook any significant emotions so as to enrapture the listener and change the setting as the characters of the play develop.”
(Metal Storm)
“Truly a solid listen full of unexpected beauty and maturity.
I might also suggest this album as a starting point for those who suspect they might really enjoy the band but don’t want to dive straight into the later masterpieces.”
(Encyclopaedia Metallum)
Greek Atmospheric Black Metal / Ambient. A one man, Ayloss, project. This is very experimental & progressive in its approach as well. There are some fantastic ideas & Aylossis clearly hugely talented & with an impressive discography that I *need* more of... :) Recommended! bmurator
The metal’s band revelatory new record crosses genres and styles, effortlessly combining seemingly incompatible subgenres. Bandcamp Album of the Day Apr 26, 2024
