Artist: Moonfall / Cult Of Eibon
Country: Finland / Freece
Label: Medieval Prophecy Records
Formats: Split LP / Split CD
Year: 2026
Although the brief text accompanying this split mentions that it follows in the tradition of classic, cult split LPs such as Necromantia/Varathron, Moonblood/Deathspell Omega or Veles/Legion, ‘Rites Of The Sabbathic Fullmoon’ is currently only available on CD. The vinyl is apparently due to be released later in the year, but drawing such comparisons naturally sets the bar sky-high. Only time will tell whether this split LP will achieve the same cult status, but for now it is the musical spectacle that counts above all else. Fans of occult, bass-heavy Black/Doom are certainly in for a treat…
Anyone who has heard any of Moonfall’s previous releases, be it the two demos, the split LP with Regere Sinister or the debut album ‘Odes To The Ritual Hills’ released on Iron Bonehead Productions, will find nothing new here. However, this is not a shortcoming, but rather Moonfall’s strength. The duo, both of whom are also active in bands such as Witchcraft, Necromonarchia Daemonum, Funerealm Gloom, Darkera, Ceremonial Torture, Archdemon and Beherit, have, through Moonfall, fully embraced the old tradition of blending First Wave Black Metal with heavy, mystical Doom Metal elements. If this is your first encounter with Moonfall, don’t expect Black Sabbath or Candlemass; instead, look for that mysterious atmosphere in something best described as a cross between early Necromantia, Varathron and even Necro Schizma or Abysmal Grief. Although conventional guitars are certainly used, the emphasis lies on the bass guitar and the simple rhythms. Just have a listen to ‘Last Glow Of Twilight’ and you’ll find it’s beautiful in its simple ugliness. The whole thing feels very ritualistic and therefore fits perfectly with the Greek sound of their split partners on this release.
The Greeks in question, Cult Of Eibon, are likely to ring more bells: thanks to a few short players and their excellent debut album ‘Black Flame Dominion’ (Iron Bonehead Productions, 2021), this band’s quintessentially Greek-style Black Metal has already reached the ears of many fans. The fact that these lads know what they’re doing is also evident from their musical CV, which features names such as Kawir, Nergal, Caedes Cruenta and Black Blood Invocation. Unlike some other Greek bands, Cult Of Eibon do not attempt to adapt or embellish the classic Greek Black Metal sound; rather, like Funeral Storm and Ithaqua, for example, they seem to deliver a true-to-form rendition of the original sound. This means that fans of the first two albums by Rotting Christ and Varathron will definitely find this to their liking. The warm, catchy melodies, the Heavy Metal-soaked riffs, the sharp drums and the hoarse vocals: it all echoes the sound of early ’90s Hellenic Black Metal that is loved by so many. If you’re looking for something more innovative, such as Caedes Cruenta or Necromantical Invocation, or a more Folk-oriented sound like that of Kawir, you might well label this as a bit ‘safe’ or ‘dated’. However, if it’s the classic sound you’re after, Cult Of Eibon delivers exactly that. It may not be the band’s best or most captivating work, but it’s still exceptionally good.
