For a band lasting over two decades, it can be difficult to keep the creative wheels working in the same way. With each successive release, it feels like the stakes are increased, and the ability to alienate both new and old fans with newer material becomes more and more likely. With all of this in mind, A Dawn to Fear is an impressive feat in taking a familiar sound that Cult of Luna crafted, while throwing in subtle nuance to create all sorts of unexpected ear fillers. A Dawn to Fear feels familiar but, at the same time, creates a new sensation for all those who listen.
The joy in A Dawn to Fear is how Cult of Luna deal with heavy moments in their music. From the slide guitar in " A Dawn to Fear" and "Inland Rain," to the spaghetti western swing of "Light on the Hill," the create catharsis through different means.
The album builds up to specific moments of sonic release. The biggest of them all is "Fall," an emotional roller coaster that finally leads to a punishing outpour of riffs that the listener has been pining for. A Dawn to Fear rewards its patient listeners with that they want, bringing enough familiarity but offering enough new ideas sonically that there's no risk of falling into pure nostalgia — and satisfying longtime fans of the band at the same time.
(Metal Blade)The joy in A Dawn to Fear is how Cult of Luna deal with heavy moments in their music. From the slide guitar in " A Dawn to Fear" and "Inland Rain," to the spaghetti western swing of "Light on the Hill," the create catharsis through different means.
The album builds up to specific moments of sonic release. The biggest of them all is "Fall," an emotional roller coaster that finally leads to a punishing outpour of riffs that the listener has been pining for. A Dawn to Fear rewards its patient listeners with that they want, bringing enough familiarity but offering enough new ideas sonically that there's no risk of falling into pure nostalgia — and satisfying longtime fans of the band at the same time.
