Review of Celestia - Apparitia – Sumptuous Spectre (Re-Mastered)

Synopsis:

Though yet another rather obscure re-issue from Paragon Records, it’s a decent example of grim, cold, frost bitten yet atmospheric black metal nonetheless.

Review:

Originally released way back in…..2002, Paragon has re-mastered and repackaged this apparently undiscovered gem of French black metal, that seems to fit in with all the atmospheric and depressing, lengthy black metal that’s all the rage nowadays.

Deceptively melodic and epic in scope while still retaining a grim, primal sound, Celestia’s balance of sweeping, tremolo picked staccato riffs and high pitched shrieks, does mask a certain austere ambience that, while not on the level of say The Ruins of Beverast, Azrael or the current depressive French black metal scene, does give the album some character and mood amid the cold early 90’s grimness. Ethereal would be a fitting word.

I haven’t heard the original recording of this release, so I can’t tell you how Paragon’s re-mastering compares, but this effort is crisp yet raw. The tracks are generally classic styled, frantic black metal, with a hint of majesty and a few introspective moments. Opener “The Awakening Of The Dormant Fiancée”, “Perverted Decadent, Dying Love” and the slower “Wandering Through The Past Memories” with their shimmering, yet grim hues are highlights.

I’m not sure this is a must own even if you do or don’t own the original, especially with the plethora of like minded black metal out today, but this does seem to circumvent the need for lengthy depressive dramatics or an industrialized tint in favor of classically based riffs and prose, and ultimately is a decent black metal release.

Release Details

Celestia

Apparitia – Sumptuous Spectre (Re-Mastered)

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