MEREN RE

3.5 stars. On MOONLIGHT's second album they have a new drummer, but their sound continues in that same dark Metal vein. This isn't as good as the debut in my opinion and it's not as powerful either. They thank PENDRAGON in the liner notes. Hard to believe MOONLIGHT opened for them because they're like night and day as far as their sounds go.

"La Dance Macabre" hits the ground running. This is catchy with vocals and synths as the drums pound. Some power late to end it. It's okay. "Melpomena" is a top three for me. Fragile vocals with keys to start. It kicks into a fuller sound quickly. Heavy after a minute. Great sound 3 minutes in. "Dies Irae (Dzien Sadu)" opens with orchestral sounds before it kicks in with guitar then vocals.The guitar is metallic. "Gora I Dol" opens with some good guitar. A full sound then vocals join in. It settles then kicks back in as contrasts continue. Man she can sing. "Troche Pozniejsze Popoludnie" turns heavy duty quickly. It settles before a minute with vocals. Dreamy stuff right here. It kicks back in before 2 1/2 minutes. "To Co Za Drzwiami" is orchestral sounding as heaviness arrives then vocals. The bass is huge. I like the guitar 3 minutes in when the vocals stop.

"Cha-Nefer-Meren-Re" opens with drums and bass before synths then vocals join in. Very heavy before 1 1/2 minutes then the tempo picks up. Chunky bass before 3 minutes then it settles. Great sound when it kicks back in a minute later. "Meren Re" is different with those spacey sounds and percussion. Reserved vocals join in. A cool sounding track. Some vocal melodies after 3 1/2 minutes. A top three. "Glosy" opens with spoken words as acoustic guitar and synths help out. Strong vocals and a powerful sound kick in as contrasts continue. "Shahre Gholgotha (Miasto Krzyku)" opens with guitar and synths. I like when the drums come in. Vocals follow. The guitar sounds great after 2 1/2 minutes. "Wiem" is the other top three. Acoustic guitar and atmosphere to open as vocals and drums join in. Nice heavy sound 2 1/2 minutes in. "Tu" opens with guitar and drums. The vocals are outstanding here. Nice bass lines too. "Inter Sacrum" is mostly atmosphere and reserved vocals. My cd has an untitled bonus track with a catchy beat and vocals.

So a good followup to their debut but this just doesn't have the same dynamics.