FADING LIGHT - The Spell Of A New Dawn LP (STARLIGHT) (Preorder)

NB! Preorder item, release November 13.

There is no art without suffering, without contradiction, without the abyss, and without the fear of the intangible.

Behind FADING LIGHT lies expression on many levels. Thus, “The Spell Of A New Dawn” is not only a musical work but also features a visual dimension that, when combined with the music, creates something deeply compelling. Behind the project is Simon “Totleben” Bossert; the founder and guitarist of Totengeflüster, who has already enjoyed great success with his former band, is best known for his captivating artwork and video animations for bands such as Keep Of Kalessin, Night In Gales, and Nyktophobia… On “The Spell Of A New Dawn,” he brings these two worlds together so powerfully that each listen is equally uplifting and haunting.

The symphonic black metal on “The Spell Of A New Dawn” draws its power not only from the music itself, but also from its numerous details. These include the soundscapes, which never feel contrived but are deliberately used to conjure images in the listener’s mind. At the same time, they bring the graphic artwork to life and allow the album to resonate in many different ways. The lyrics tell of seduction by false gods and of how easy it is for the seducers to weave their webs and prey on defenseless souls in a disoriented society that loses itself in the gloom of everyday life.

The opening track, ‘A Gathering Of Souls’, immediately captivates the listener with symphonic sounds that are both menacing and alluring. Next, ‘Crowned With Might’ creeps up cautiously at first, before the song grabs you with double-bass attacks, shimmering guitars, and vocals that whisper one moment only to jump harshly in your face the next. ‘On Wings Of Vengeance’ oscillates between frenzy and melancholy, while ‘The Return’, after a sublime intro, transforms into a pounding, almost black’n’roll-style banger. The unstoppable fury finally erupts fully in ‘Seeds of Death’, making the more subdued ‘Far Away From the Stars’ seem even more sublime and haunting. Straddling the line between atmosphere and outburst, ‘Necromance’ once again unleashes all of FADING LIGHT’s qualities, before ‘Poltergeist’ concludes the album with majestic and at times dreamy keyboard melodies.

Totleben recorded all the guitars, basses, and orchestrations himself and is also responsible for all the lyrics, artwork, and music videos. The drums were recorded by Michiel van der Plicht (Pestilence, Nyktophobia, ex-God Dethroned …). Totleben brought singer Sophie Müller on board as a guest, while the magnificent solo in ‘Crowned With Might’ was performed by Christian Kupczyk (Aeonyzhar). The balanced yet powerful mix and mastering were handled by the trusted ears and hands of Joost van den Broek (Powerwolf, Blind Guardian, Epica, Ayreon…) at Sandlane Recording Facilities.

Ltd. 300x Starlight Sparkle vinyl. Gatefold with double sided lyric sheet and additional A2 sized poster.

Apostasy 2026