The latest transmission from the shadowed circle of Ordo Vampyr Orientis (BAT MAGIC, BAD MANOR, BEASTIAL MAJESTY), pianistic Black Metal mavericks BENEATH MOONLIGHT arrive on DMP in fantastic style with their unhinged self-titled debut EP.
Over six tracks, the clandestine entity dramatically channels the evil spirits, gothic castles and filthy asylums of ’90s lycanthropic Black Metal with a peculiar modern power and edge-of-seat propulsion.
Tracklist:
01. Intro – Malleus Maleficarum
02. None Before God
03. Reckoning of the Inquisitor
04. Versipellis
05. Beneath Moonlight
06. Vals – Malleus Lycanthroporum
These six audio incantations were finalized by Jacob Buczarski (MARE COGNITUM). ‘Intro – Malleus Maleficarum‘ was composed and mixed by Sanguine (AVERSE SEFIRA). Blondel del Nesle guests on the title track.
The cursed cover painting was created by Karmazid (MOURNFUL CONGREGATION, LAMP OF MURMUUR), and the BENEATH MOONLIGHT insignia was illustrated by Misanthropic-Art (KATATONIA, MORTUARY DRAPE). Layout is by Yurii Kazarian / Into The Abyss Design.
Composer and pianist The Sanguinarian reflects on the band’s name:
“I’d already begun composing the BENEATH MOONLIGHT EP when the name appeared to me in a ferocious and terrifying vision. A spectre, lit aflame in red light, whispered it in my ear and I felt my flesh singe and eardrums pop with each syllable.“
The EP is the first part of the Henricus Institor saga, so named after the German churchman who in 1487 published a document known as the Malleus Maleficarum – a veritable how–to guide for the inquisitioning and dispatching of accused witches.
As a first gateway into the story, BENEATH MOONLIGHT offer the song ‘None Before God‘ – a maniacal and melodious ode to the Dark Arts.
Listen via DMP‘s YouTube channel:
The Sanguinarian comments on ‘None Before God‘:
“‘None Before God‘s introduction is an extravagant tribute to Beethoven, and it was from there an exercise in finding evil textures and summonings to complement its impetus’ pretence.“
Guitarist The Ghastly Vrykolak adds:
“To match The Sanguinarian’s boldness, I meditated on specific chord voicings and, with The Haunted Strigoi’s textural counterpoint and lyrical, melodious bass work, found within myself the most sinister riffs possible. BENEATH MOONLIGHT is superlative, and as such it demanded the finest performance from each member.“
“Beneath Moonlight” will be released on vinyl – including an exclusive DMP edition – and digital on December 20th. Pre-orders are available via the label’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
BENEATH MOONLIGHT is romantic, pianistic Black Metal from the minds behind the Ordo Vampyr Orientis (BAT MAGIC, BAD MANOR). BENEATH MOONLIGHT weave a complex tale of magic, religion, revenge, and redemption through darkness as “Malleus Maleficarum” author Henricus Institor is cursed with lycanthropy and turns to black magic to cure his affliction. Henricus’ story will continue on BENEATH MOONLIGHT‘s subsequent full-length albums.
The debut-EP will see the light via DMP at the end of 2024.