In the late 2000s, Aluk Todolo emerged, crafting kraut-infused black metal in instrumental form, which reached its peak—and defined its niche—with 2012’s Occult Rock. In recent years, the French band has been quieter, with live performances becoming rare and no new studio material.
Now, LUX brings us six new tracks, recorded in 2023, still imbued with the same dark touch as before. Without distinct titles, the pieces are meant to be viewed as one cohesive whole—carefully constructed, slowly steering toward infinite darkness, only to close the circle.
We tiptoe into a mystical realm where a storm begins to brew. As the journey takes us deeper into a dark kingdom inhabited by terrifying creatures, we are ultimately redeemed and gently swept back out.
Musically: dramatic shredding, nerve-racking sawing, and thunderous drumming. Aside from calmer tones at the beginning and end, the album is dominated by powerful chaos. Truly unique.
Aluk Todolo – LUX: Occult rock for connoisseurs. – RIFL
