Summoner’s Circle – Cult

As the proud leader of my own cult, which you can join at any time, I’m interested in any research or art that helps me expand my paws around the corrupt world. Hence, when Summoner’s Circle came out with a new release named Cult, I had to investigate it to see if it offered me new tools that would increase my chances for world domination. Keep reading, and you’ll find out.

Cult is an eclectic effort; it doesn’t stay in one place too long in terms of style. Thematically, it’s rather consistent, though one could argue that it becomes too edgy. Nevertheless, it’s definitely entertaining, offering a lot of variation that ranges from Gothic to Black/Death Metal, all in a matter of seconds. If you haven’t been happy with Carach Angren‘s latest efforts, then Cult is here to make you recover the faith in the painting and mascara you just threw in the trash, thinking it was time to get “serious” about growing up. But no! There are always excuses to remain a child! I can also feel heavy Dimmu Borgir influences in Cult, but Summoner’s Circle evidently prefers anything from Stormblåst to Puritanical Euphorical Misanthropy (before AI, Dimmu already had AI-generated names it seems), so don’t hate me or Summoner’s Circle so much. We both like the good old days.

I know people tend to praise the symphonic arrangements and mean riffs these types of bands tend to offer, but I want to highlight something else, and it’s Blind and Y’takt’s vocals. They actually have proper enunciation. It’s easy to follow the pagan lyrics for once! I’m not sure if that made my experience better, but it’s a breath of fresh air in a world of gurgling hominids at the mic. Though Cult feels ’90s to me because of how popular Symphonic Black Metal was back then, I do think the hints of Death Metal (like in “Irreverence of the Cross”) make it a bit fresher and catchier. “Alright, Catto, but what should I dislike?”

Cult is a niche product in a niche genre. It appeals to people who enjoy extreme Metal that still has some vague hope of commercial accessibility. Mixed with the standard way it approaches the occult, it also makes me feel the cheese in some moments. Though on the cheese scale, it’d get a four, so like a Camembert? Those are the things you should be ready to accept if you want to enjoy this dark Metal on Turinabol.

Summoner’s Circle might not be going into alien territory here, but its diversity in style, makes it an engaging listen for those of you who want Symphonic Metal with more teeth and grit than your usual Goth band. It’s a fitting soundtrack for your next Teddy bear sacrifice ritual, because I know that’s your kind of gig.

Label: Black Lion Records

Release date: 24 May, 2024

Website: https://www.facebook.com/summonerscircle

Country: USA

Score: six pig heads in a pentagram or 3.5/5.0 if you need validation