Metalcatto
Stop all the flights, traffic lights, and trash trucks, because the mightiest Post-Metal band in Sweden is back! The last time Cult of Luna released an album below 4/5, MP3s were still a thing. The only real question is whether In the Shadow of Your Shadow will end up living in the band’s shadow. I know, horrible metaphor, but you know what I mean. Also, make sure to check out my Cult of Luna top lists here and here to get ready! Let’s get going!
Shadow takes risks. The band has definitely changed things up, increasing the depth and hollow atmosphere that have always been part of its sound. There are glimpses of Vertikal and even A Dawn to Fear, with a few moments and ideas that feel almost lifted from those two epic journeys. There are also a handful of high-profile guests. This album has more sludge and dirt than The Long Road North, and while it’s not the band’s longest effort, it certainly follows the tradition of keeping us hooked for well over an hour.
The biggest change, however, comes with the vocals. I don’t know what has happened, but they’re starting to sound more like Redemptor. It caught me off guard, and at first I found myself questioning what was going on. But no, this is still the heartbreaking, epic, and intense Cult of Luna we all know and love. It can sink you into the darkest depression and run you over like a train. It’s actually becoming difficult for me to find anything substantial to complain about.
Perhaps I’ll pick on the softer tracks. They’re simply not as memorable as their more dramatic counterparts. The album also takes a little too long to get going for my taste, but these are such minor complaints that they might disappear altogether after a few more listens. Cult of Luna still haven’t managed to make an album that leaves my stomach completely empty. I’m not even sure these guys are capable of doing so.
In the Shadow of Your Shadow honours its title perfectly. There’s something so unique about everything Cult of Luna does, and the streak continues. The real questions for me are: will they finally retire? And is this album of the year material? One question will get an answer sooner or later. The other, well, we’ll need a little more time to figure out.
Label: Red Crk
Release date: November 6th, 2026
Website: https://cultofluna.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-shadow-of-your-shadow
Country: Sweden
Score: 4.0/5.0
