EMPIRE OF THE MOON is a Black Metal band from Greece.  After forming in 1996, they released a demo in 1997.  It wasn't until 2014 their first full length album was released.  Six years later and 2020 will see the rise of the band once again the in the form of their second full length "EKɅEIΨIΣ."

I haven't heard their first album so I honestly don't have a basis of comparison, but this album is one hell of a ride.  "EKɅEIΨIΣ" doesn't blow me away or make me question my very existence but it is a solid as hell piece of Black Metal.   As far as the modern scene goes for more riff based, traditional Blackened bands, this album is definitely sending the genre in the right direction.

The first track, "Arrival," is just an intro but it segues perfectly into the first track proper, "Imperium Tridentis,"  This track is an audio assault of furious riffs, whirlwind of drums, and acidic Blackened screams.   The song certainly isn't afraid to go balls to the wall as soon as it begins.  The song does slow down just after the two-minute mark but only barely.  The guitar solo is surprisingly melodic but fits right at home in the song, complimenting it while not taking away any of the initial fury.

The bulk of the album is focused on "Per Aspera Ad Lunae," which is divided into five parts.  Each part sounds different but fit together well as a whole.  Part I is extreme Blackened fury—intense drumming, nonstop screaming, and traditional but impeccable Black Metal riffs.  Part II is no less scathing but is a slower, more methodical piece compared to the first one.  The bass is especially a highlight....DRACONIUM plays a more Thrash Metal oriented style this time around but still has a raw, bloody heart at its core.

Part III is the more melodic and theatrical of the bunch; the opening solo is captivating.  The keyboards actually go a long way in heightening the song's atmosphere and urgency, complimenting the heavy nature of the song while providing an epic undertone to it all.  The last minute of the song is coated with melancholy that ends the song perfectly.  The fourth part ends the album and the song itself; it also happens to be the longest.  This one is an amalgamation of the previous parts and a decent overview of the album's overall sound and structure.  Some of the album's more solid riff work is present as are the best vocal deliveries.  The clean mid portion of the song is a decent centerpiece and a nice prelude to the hectic style that comes after.

I enjoyed my time with "EKɅEIΨIΣ." Black Metal fans who want energetic songs with a focus on riffs could do worse than checking this album out.