Spectral Lore - I (2006/2008)

Spectral Lore's 'I' originally released in '06 through Saturnine Society served as my introduction to this unique Greek entity when solo band member Ayloss sent me the tape back then. With said original tape being limited to just 250 copies it was eventually re-released through Temple of Torturous in a heavy and quite sharp looking digipak that's limited to 1000 copies and likely still available.

'I' is in a manner of speaking the Spectral Lore project in its most primal form and leans more towards the dark ambient side of things whereas by the time Ayloss released 'II' in '07 there was a greater increase in the black metal elements and even more so on this years, 'Sentinel.'

Original tape from '06

The dark ambient side of Spectral Lore is rather ominous in character with both a very chilling and sort of hazy dreamlike atmosphere throughout, plus they certainly are a bit more melodic sounding than the average ambient creations. 'The Descent' is definitely one of the highlights, because as you listen it really feels like your drifting downward to some sort of cavernous vault, while 'The Drowning' has a smooth keyboard melody alongside occasional electric riffs and a curiously foggy sentiment to it. 'The Cleansing Rain' is also mighty with a droning synth, acoustic guitars and a few samples running through, its one of those songs that's easily able to transport your being to outer realms of where you might currently be as you listen. I also adore 'Exodus,' simply because its the most melodious piece and in an way reminds me of some older video game tunes from the 90's.

The other side of Spectral Lore is a type of raw misanthropic ambient black metal possibly compared to acts like Procer Veneficus, Velvet Cacoon, Vinterriket and Paysage d'Hiver. The few songs that appear in this vein are a bit more limited, but I can’t help but enjoy the dark raging chaos and the trance inducing qualities brought out in these songs, and with the occasional acoustics, keyboards (as seen on 'Morningrise in the Eternal Fields') and even some impressive guitar work there's tons to devour through them.

'I' isn't the finest output from Ayloss, but the atmosphere is rich and even with the band comparisons Spectral Lore was already quite unique on this early effort. If you have an affinity towards bands that blend the ambient and black metal traits quite well and largely uniquely too, then Spectral Lore is not be bypassed.