ALTARS OF THE MOON is a new project from members of UADA, CHROME WAVES, and LOTUS THRONES. The album has nine songs. “The Signal” is first. There is a long lead in of ambiance and drums, eventually collapsing into a very solemn riff. The vocals are harsh, but even-keeled in their delivery. “G.O.D. Initiative” is a slower, more filthy and sludgy, desperately despondent, and many of the tones are as cold and naked as a newborn baby. What’s really odd are the moments of levity that come at the end. “The Drift” is a short, three-minute song of mostly atmosphere, which reminds me of an astronaut getting sucked out of his ship and into deep space.

“Supermassive Black (Hole in my Heart…)” rolls forward slowly with harsh vocals and some spoken words. The even pacing never really affects you until it continues more and more…it’s like piling more weight onto your shoulders until you can’t take any more. “The Longing” has just a smidge of hope in the opening tones, combined with a steady cold wind in the background. The saxophone notes lament, that is for sure. It’s one of those instruments that can energize you, or put you deeper into depression. “The Vestibule” is another atmosphere heavy song, with sax notes that go from despair to anger. All the while, that background is full of eerie elements.

“First Contact Protocol” is another desperately depressing song, and the band removes nearly all feelings from the listener and leaves them with only one…the cold burn of nothing. “The Sentient” is a short, two minutes of atmosphere again. People sometimes call this type of music “shoegaze.” “Existence Invalid” closes the album, and talk about a fitting title. The tones are sober, solemn, and remind you of your infantile existence in the context of the greater universe. Overall, this album had more depressive tones than anything that you can imagine. By the end of the album, the weight of the tones take effect like a constantly building buzz inside your head that slowly drives you insane. This is an example of an album that can say so much with so little sonority, and the listener can easily get swept up in it all.