Artist: Whitemoon
Country: Poland
Label: Medieval Prophecy Records
Formats: 12″ EP / CD EP
Year: 2026
With Whitemoon, we have yet another impressively good band from the equally impressive Polish Black Metal scene. Although it is not entirely clear to me exactly when Whitemoon was formed, it sprang from the minds of Fauros and Leszy, both best known as members of Diabolical Fullmoon, one of the better Polish Black Metal bands of the last ten years. Fauros has since left Diabolical Fullmoon and Leszy is no longer part of Whitemoon, which technically makes this latest addition of pagan-driven Polish Black Metal Fauros’s solo project. Entirely in line with expectations, this first mini-album is being released on Medieval Prophecy Records, which was also responsible for a large part of Diabolical Fullmoon’s output.
One could argue about exactly how much Whitemoon differs from Diabolical Fullmoon. The seasoned fan will claim that the two produce something completely different, whilst the music does, broadly speaking, follow the same pattern. But whether you hear roughly two identical bands or two completely different ones, depending on your own perception, there is no denying that both bands deliver an unprecedented quality. Something that renders the above discussion completely redundant.
Broadly speaking, Whitemoon adheres to the framework of Polish Black Metal, in which melody, coldness, melancholy and a deeply rooted pagan sound are fused into an unprecedented intensity. Just like the aforementioned Diabolical Fullmoon, Whitemoon’s sound is also based on that of the bands from the Temple Of Fullmoon circle; in particular, Veles, Infernum, Fullmoon and Mysteries (although the latter was not officially part of it) have played a clear role in Whitemoon’s sound. Even the early work of Taake or Forgotten Woods comes reasonably close, although Whitemoon sounds a fair bit less icy; yet in terms of the folk-inspired element, the connection is certainly there. Furthermore, in terms of intensity and riffs, it can be traced entirely back to the bands of the late 90s who, whilst influenced by the Second Wave of Black Metal, put their own spin on it.
It is a musical intensity and an almost warm authenticity that rarely come together in this way. And it is surprisingly simple; no boundaries are pushed, and no attempts are made to be original. But it is precisely in that musical rigidity, fully focused on good riffs, that the magic lies, delivered with a profound quality. This is also reflected in the beautiful artwork, provided by Zabrava, an active musician in Crypts Of Wallachia, Phlegethon’s Majesty, Orkblut and a couple more. The CD version of this 23-minute EP is already available; vinyl enthusiasts will have to wait a little longer, but I’m already certain I’ll be snapping it up. The artwork will also look stunning in that larger format; I’m looking forward to it.
