What's up, atmospheric Black/Folk Metal maniacs? I'm here once again to give you an insight on PANOPTICON and their new album: "Autumn Eternal" and it is fabulous.

Is it just me? Or are solo projects the most enjoyable and most unique productions in music? A. Lunn has created a legacy with 5 previous full-length albums and after listening to "Autumn Eternal", He has earned himself a new fan; I'm most interested in on listening to the rest. Hailing from the United States of America comes this most atmospheric project that defines atmosphere in music entirely.

Just when I thought I was listening to a Black Metal band; the inner Folk Metal comes in strong as I play "Tamarack's Gold Returns". Austin L. Lunn really knew how to combine an atmospheric masterpiece fused with that Black / Folk Metal charm. And then incomes "Into The North Woods" which prescribes a slab of Black Metal to the face. Commonly known in the realms of Black Metal; is the raw vocals and extremely heavy but also atmospheric approach, he really knew what he was doing to make the listener feel like they were actually there in this epic journey. I certainly did. I had a very strong sense of Autumn (with thanks to the album title of course), and it really worked well on the atmospheric approach. Black and Folk Metal really do mix well; it really does suits this kind of album.

There is surprises in store with every track. The title track: "Autumn Eternal" has that concept feel but keeps the Black and Folk Metal balance in check. Similarly found in "Oak's Ablaze" but keeps up with the epic story telling and just outright brilliance Austin L. Lunn has produced. This is well noted in "Sleep To The Sound Of The Waves Crashing", what a title. "Pale Ghosts" and "A Superior Lament" had musical craftsmanship that was just a stunning spectacle, and exposed how solid of an instrumentalist this guy is.

And then ending this fabulous album with the epic "The Wind's Farewell". After the 10 minute long "A Superior Lament" which showcased vocals that differed from extreme to "normal" style, pounding drums and guitar riffs that simply blew me away; atmospheric perfection, this is simply an album that the Metal gods themselves would bow down to and appreciate tenfold. "Autumn Eternal" is an album that legends are made of. This man is a musical genius and has created an album that I thoroughly enjoyed and is almost perfect in every way. The dude has musical talent that exceeded my expectations; I can only give him positive props and not much else.

So, if you couldn't tell already, I really liked "Autumn Eternal". This is an hour long masterpiece that was a fantastic experience. And I can only encourage you to check it out. It's free via the bandcamp website as well as YouTube which is in the link below. Worth checking out for any Metal fan in general.