PHOBOS MONOLITH

Those who say that there is no atmosphere in space should check out Jacob Buczarski's Mare Cognitum project, whose Phobos Monolith is a masterpiece of atmospheric black metal. Mare Cognitum is not the only black metal project in this field - Darkspace is there, for instance - but whereas Darkspace produces material reminiscent of a cold, empty, uncaring void, Mare Cognitum creates an impression of deep space as being a transcendent realm teeming with unseen power and potential. This sense of wonder, shared by music and lyrics alike, sets Mare Cognitum apart from the pack, and on Phobos Monolith it is brilliantly realised.