LUNASPHERE

"Lunasphere" is the 2nd full-length studio album by Australian progressive extreme metal act Alchemist. The album was released through Thrust/Shock Records in May 1995. While Alchemist debut album "Jar of Kingdom (1993)" showed some promise and did feature a couple of interesting ideas, it´s low budget and powerless sounding production and imature songwriting pulled it back down to earth again. However the band changed labels between "Jar of Kingdom (1993)" and "Lunasphere" and from the sound of it, received more funds to record and produce their sophomore album.

Stylistically the music on "Lunasphere" is a type of progressive extreme metal which draws influences from both thrash and death metal as well as post punk/rock in the vein of Killing Joke and their ilk. There´s also an ethnic influence in the music as well as several rather psychadelic elements. A really interesting cocktail that actually works well most of the time. The music is predominantly guitar driven and it´s a great joy to listen to how the two guitarists Adam Agius (also lead vocals) and Roy Torkington compliment each other. A trademark they would develop on further on subsequent releases. The rythm section are tight and quite adventurous at times. The vocals are harsh but not really growling. They remind me a bit of how Max Cavalera (Sepultura) sounded on "Roots (1996)". A raw, aggressive and shouting vocal style.

The sound production is a bit below standard and it is my major issue with the album but it´s far from unbearable and I´m fully able to appreciate the music even though the production could have been much better. So upon conclusion there are still edges that need cutting on "Lunasphere" but it is a very bold and adventurous album and I greatly respect the band for trying hard to create a unique sound. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is deserved.