I must start off this review with a confession.

I'd never listened to Cult Of Luna before.

Yeah, I realize that a post-atmo-sludge band is pushing the envelope outside the box in my wheelhouse, but never bothered. Was too busy exploring elsewhere...   Review by BitterCOld ››

Rarely does an album place you in the exact environment which its creators would have you experience. Even rarer, in my experience, is when such is achieved within the wide reaching scope of post-metal; albums can be loose in their effort to engage the listener and they tend to be vague in their atmospheric axis points. The lines of latitude are often blurred and while an atmosphere is usually present it can be an altogether indifferent experience as you fail to identify your location. Yet listening to Cult Of Luna's latest release Vertikal you'll likely be more the wiser about your surroundings.   Review by R'Vannith ››