INEXORUM is a melodic black/death metal duo from Minneapolis.  "Moonlit Navigation," is their second full length album, after having formed just two years ago in 2018. "Moonlit Navigation," is a very atmospheric and engaging album.  If you miss the old school day so of melodic death metal (basically the first few albums by IN FLAMES and DARK TRANQUILLITY) then this album must be on your priority list.  However, if you like the concepts of black metal but find the genre too abrasive at times, this album will be a rich discovery.

In essence, INEXORUM present an album that works firmly for both genres.  The melodies, harmonies, and bass work are rich and warm enough for even the most discerning MDM fan but the vocals, riffs, and speeds can be appreciated by black metal enthusiasts. Is the album original and ground breaking?  No, of course not.  But there is a certain charm in a band displaying their love and admiration for such a grandiose style.  I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it a thousand more: it isn't always what you do but how you do it.

The album begins its journey with "Ouroboric State," a song that makes a statement of what to expect from the album.  Melodic leads and crisp drumming open the song while melodic leads take it to faster territory, complete with well done blackened death growls/screams.  Much like a lot of MDM, there is an epic, power metal style feel to the melodies but the music is obviously more aggressive.  The song's ending is highlighted back clean vocals, which do a fine job complimenting the harsher vocals.

The title track, "Moonlit Navigation," is up next, complete with dueling guitar melody and some heavy riffing that is backed by a bit of groove that keeps the song flowing.  This song is, at times, more of a mid paced dirge than the previous track but the change of pace is nice and allows for all the little details to sink in.  The blackened screams keep that famous "cold" black metal feeling entrenched into the band's style even while the melodies keep it all cooking in a wildly mixed dish.

"Signal Fires," presents itself as more of a modern take on the genre before diving into the thick harmonies that layer the top of the riffs.  The guitar is here is more dirty and dangerous than some of the previous tracks and I loved how quickly the song built tension even while the melodic fringes kept the song wide open. One of the more aggressive tracks is "The Breaking Point," which what it sounds like the drums are building up to.  All of the guitar parts are fast and frantic, even the more atmospheric tones.  About halfway through a touch keys sparkles above a lovely guitar solo for a beautiful passage that bridges the song back together.

The last track, "In Desperate Times," definitely sounds urgent and foreboding.  The vocals sort of blend into the music itself for a song that comes off as one big wall of sound but one that is constantly shifting and changing.    The last part of the show is a showcase for how pretty and emotional metal can be. I really enjoyed my time with this album because "Moonlit Navigation" goes a long way in capturing the magic and majesty of melodic death metal but also the variety and adventure of black metal.  Highly recommended.