From Bandcamp, “Powerfully patient and starkly streamlined, their “Hymns to the Moon” full-length lumbers forward with eerie, awe-inspiring ease: massively heavy, entrenched in moonlit atmosphere, and rendered in rich, vintage tones courtesy of mastering by Armin Rave (Pavor). As forecasted by both moniker and album title, MOON INCARNATE’s “Hymns to the Moon” indeed delves into classic gothic horror themes while always paying tribute to Mother Moon. The album has seven songs.

The title track is first. I am surprised at the total beacon of melody that is presented, but it is followed by utter darkness, and this contrast keeps the listener engaged. “The Tempest” has much darker and dangerous sound, especially from the throaty vocals. Parts of the song also sound ritualistic, like a torture scene unfolding in front of your eyes. “A Night’s Death” features heavy and sludgy bass notes, like a mammoth’s footsteps over the frozen tundra, and the vocals are very guttural. “Nemesis” begins with a devastatingly heavy and low sound that at times relaxes and grows more melodic. So far, the band has a good deal of diversity in their sound.

“A Graveyard in My Soul” is as despondent as it sounds. The picture painted is depressing, stretches out for days, and deep inside, your soul feels black. “Minotaur” has another slow and crushing sound. “I smell his stench, he’s coming after me” he states. Frightening elements keep the listener on his toes, and you never know when the beast lurks around the corner. “The Kraken” closes the album, and the sounds of water in the beginning reflect his nature. “Come my friend, follow me down” the beast beckons, and the riff begins to fill out. I hear elements of Doom, Sludge, Gothic, and even Black Metal on the album and it is indeed a harrowing affair. Perhaps most impressive is how the band mixes these things up in every song so you never know what is coming next.