DAEMONARCH “Hermeticum” /Ltd. GLP/

Embroidered bordered woven patch.

110x20mm

The tenth full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Extreme/Gothic Metal band.
After two years, Moonspell return with "Alpha Noir", an album that reinforces the idea that they are still, in fact, one of Metal’s premier acts. Over the last decade, the band have increasingly pursued the Gothic side of their sound to the point that many Metal fans simply walked away thinking the band had lost interest. Not unlike brethren Paradise Lost and Amorphis though, Moonspell dig deep and craft a much heavier album than anyone expected.
"Alpha Noir" is a welcome revisit to the band’s early works and probably their most ferocious sounding since their debut, "Wolfheart" (1995). This is due in no small part to the guitar work. Throughout this album the guitars offer face melting riffs and wild soloing that lasts more than a few seconds here and there. Additionally, there is a ton of lead work happening at all times and it just makes everything bigger and angrier.
"Axis Mundi", "Lickanthrope", the title track and "Love Is Blasphemy" are perfect examples of how rockin’ this album gets. While they still maintain a Gothic underpinning, the guitars and aggressive vocals that are at the fore command your attention. They have killer riff led verses with an explosive chorus that make you want to pump your leather studded wristband laden fist in the air and sing along.
"Opera Carne" is the centrepiece here. It has some really memorable lead guitar pieces and a vocal that sounds like its wordsmith is being torn to pieces as he sings. When the chorus hits, it blankets you in Rammstein-esque gang vocals that sound like a million angry oppressed.
Fans of the bands last few albums will find traces of things to enjoy as well. Most notably, "Sine Misssione" which has a very Atmospheric feel to it that reminds a bit of "Sin / Pecado"’s material (1998). "Em Nome do Medo" is another moment that leans more to the Gothier side, although its edges are still heavy...
Moonspell are one of those bands that always bring it but you will be shocked to hear such an aggressive album from them, as they seemed to have moved past this style a long time ago. If you are a fan of the first couple of albums and lost heart then you should come back ASAP! If you love the band’s output in the new millennium, you’ll still enjoy plenty of this!!
Napalm Records Handels GmbH, 2012 (NPR 425 CD). Made in Austria. Pressed in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Axis Mundi 4:56
2. Lickanthrope 3:49
3. Versus 4:39
4. Alpha Noir 4:30
5. Em Nome Do Medo 4:27
6. Opera Carne 3:52
7. Love Is Blasphemy 4:31
8. Grandstand 4:53
9. Sine Missione 4:57
Total playing time: 40:34 min.

The eleventh full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Dark/Gothic Metal band.
Portuguese pioneers Moonspell first brought the Dark flames to their native country – and then set the rest of the world aflame with milestones such as "Irreligious" or "Night Eternal".
"Extinct" erects another monument to sundown and those dark hours and lets Fernando Ribeiro`s sombre vocals collide with modern riffing, Blackened melodies and Operatic grandeur.
The album includes a guest bozuoukitara performance by Yossi Sassi on the track "Medusalem". Also, on that same track, before the guitar solo starts, another guest artist, Mahafsoun, narrates the chorus in the Persian language.
An awe-inspiring album like this one truly deserves to be appreciated by all music lovers, it doesn’t matter if you’re a Metalhead or not. In other words, go listen to "Extinct" with the person you love the most, or simply close your eyes and savour it by yourself, resting assured that while Moonspell are among us dark and meaningful music will never be extinct!
Always one step ahead of the rest, always resisting all genre boundaries!!
Napalm Records Handels GmbH, 2015 (NPR 581 CD). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:
1. Breathe (Until We Are No More) 5:32
2. Extinct 4:42
3. Medusalem 5:06
4. Domina 5:08
5. The Last Of Us 3:25
6. Malignia 5:06
7. Funeral Bloom 4:10
8. A Dying Breed 4:29
9. The Future Is Dark 5:08
10. La Baphomette 2:47
Total playing time: 45:33 min.

The third re-release of the debut full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Gothic Metal band.
In the ever Scandinavian-obsessed climate of the early to mid-90’s, album like "Wolfheart" were incredibly important, as they made a bold and defiant statement that there were bands from other countries singing about their own culture and rich folkloric history in pride and passion.
It's funny how, at such an early stage of their career, a band, from a country with a relatively unknown metal presence, can change their sound, and not only succeed, but make one of Metal's unique records. This is a vast departure from the morbid Occult Black Metal with Arabic influences showcased in their earlier "Under The Moonspell" EP, instead delving deeper into the newly-born Gothic Metal sound and its aesthetics. The black metal is still present, though, but in a more melodic form, not unlike the one of the Greeks Rotting Christ (which, casually, would start their turn towards the Gothic side of the Metal spectrum one year after this was released), in the form of tremolo-picked riffs and harsh vocals, and the Folk elements are not quite the ethnic and Arabic influences of the EP, instead using flutes and cleanly sung vocals, thus having a more native (at times, bordering on Celtic) feel. Those influences are in perpetual clash with the Goth Rock influences, like the emotional, bordering on melodramatic baritone vocal performance (with spoken parts) and the abundance of ethereal synths which are the main contributors to the eerie, Dark, Gothic-Horror themed atmosphere of the music. There are some female vocals too, but, they are used not in the obnoxious 'Beauty-and-the-Beast' way, but as background vocals, for most of the time.
"Wolfheart" is a high watermark in modern Lusitanian musical culture, and it's highly recommended for people who have an interest in actual Goth Metal, which can keep a sinister vibe! A wild (midnight) ride!!
Ltd. to 500 copies digipack includes original artwork and 12-page booklet.
Century Media Records/Alma Mater Records/Rastilho Records, 1995/2023 (AMR-MMXXIII-XLI-CD). Made in Portugal.


Tracklist:
1. Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade) 7:43
2. Love Crimes 7:34
3. Of Dream And Drama (Midnight Ride) 3:59
4. Lua D'inverno 1:48
5. Trebraruna 3:30
6. Vampiria 5:36
7. An Erotic Alchemy 8:05
8. Alma Mater 5:37
9. Ataegina 4:01
Total playing time: 47:53 min.

The third re-release of the second full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Gothic Metal band.
If an alien ever visited the Earth and asked “what is Gothic Metal?”, a peace offering of "Irreligious", Moonspell’s groundbreaking 1996 album, would have been the perfect answer to the inhabitant of a far, far away galaxy. "Irreligious" is the jewel of the crown of the style. Because of its prefect balance. Not too little, not too much, this album is the perfect pitch and absolute archetype of Gothic Metal. It is the crossroad where Metal meets Gothic and lead the way to a different style and fusion between the darkened elegance of Goth and the powerful depths of Heavy Metal. At one time modern and classic, it truly survived the test of time with the most amazing the style has ever heard, from the smashing hit-opener "Opium" to Moonspell’s eternal ode to the Moon in the shape of "Full Moon Madness". The latter is usually the closing song during almost every Moonspell concert, which over time has become a characteristic of their concerts. Before the song begins, Fernando Ribeiro often makes the sign of the circle (symbolizing Moon) over the crowd. 
The tracklist in near-perfect, with songs that are lean and catchy but at the same time rich in depth and texture, which ensures the album withstands, and in fact almost invites, repeated listens.
The production is alright, but it causes the guitars to sound thin in a few places. The guitars are midway between heavy and melodic. There are no solos but some interesting leads. The songs have a dark yet upbeat vibe to them. The overall feel is something epic and stylishly evil.
The bass does its own thing for the most part, since there was only one guitarist on this album. He follows the drums but adds a sufficient flare to keep things fascinating. The drums are creative and the beginnings of Miguel coming into his own. There are some underlying keyboards, which are mostly used as background.
The vocals are brilliant and go from a low deathly growl to a more mid-high shriek. The clean vocal is the standard deep Gothic-esq croon. There is also a female vocalist at "Raven Claws".
"Irreligious" is one of those albums that tell a story from beginning to end. The lyrics are poetic, introspective, and expansive. When combined with the highly original music, they create a moody, sexy atmosphere that works well.
"Irreligious" is a sublime album of quintessential Gothic Metal. It is one of those records that define the genre itself, masterfully combining the harshness of Extreme Metal with Dark Atmospheric Gothic Rock. "Irreligious" is a masterpiece. It’s an album that has stood the test of time and has risen to be one of the best records not only in Moonspell’s discography, but also in the genre as a whole!!
Ltd. to 500 copies digipack includes original artwork and 12-page booklet.
Century Media Records/Alma Mater Records/Rastilho Records, 1996/2023 (AMR-I-MMXXIII-2CD). Made in Portugal.



Tracklist:

CD1: Irreligious
1. Perverse...Almost Religious 1:07
2. Opium 2:46
3. Awake 3:05
4. For A Taste Of Eternity 3:53
5. Ruin & Misery 3:48
6. A Poisoned Gift 5:34
7. Subversion 2:44
8. Raven Claws 3:16
9. Mephisto 4:58
10. Her Spiegelmann 4:35
11. Full Moon Madness 6:47
12. Opium (Radio Edit) 
Running time: 42:33 min.

CD2: Moonspell Live Across Europe, winter 1996/1997
Part I
     1. Intro
     2. Opium
     3. Awake
     4. Ruin & Misery
     5. Raven Claws
Part II
     6. Herr Spiegelman
     7. Mephisto
Part III
     8. Intro
     9. For A Taste Of Eternity
     10. Full Moon Madness

The first re-release of the eighth full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Gothic Metal band.
Moonspell were among the founders and foremost protagonists of that style during the nineties. Like the Portuguese metropolis, "Night Eternal" is riddled by a multitude of alleys and places. Moonspell's city of Lisbon and their new album share a wise and experienced beauty as well as the opposing principles of heat and cold, life and death, severity and gentleness, male strength and female magic. 
"Night Eternal" continues the trend of Moonspell revisiting their original heavy roots, much like they did on 2006’s "Memorial" and 2003’s "The Antidote". While "Memorial" was an overall heavy album with slowing down in tempo solely in atmospheric instrumental tracks, "Night Eternal" shuns purely instrumental interludes but rather focuses on creating variation within the individual tracks. This works brilliantly, and while "Memorial" became predictable at times because of a lack of changes in tempo and heaviness, "Night Eternal" is all the more captivating and beautiful when Moonspell holds back a little yet more crushing than ever before when they go full-throttle. This resulted in "Night Eternal" being received well overall by international music critics and managing to reach both Portuguese and French album charts.
Moonspell have re-discovered themselves once more and still found a way back to their origins. They continue to couple the fire within their souls with poetic emotionality, a gentle touch of the erotic, as well as a distinct melancholic mood.
Fully remastered by Tue Madsen, extended version re-release includes three bonus tracks.
Century Media Records/Alma Mater Records/Rastilho Records, 2008/2019/2021 (AMR-XII-MMXIX). Made in Portugal. Re-press.


Tracklist:
1. At Tragic Heights 6:51
2. Night Eternal 4:09
3. Shadow Sun 4:23
4. Scorpion Flower (feat. Anneke Van Giersbergen) 4:33
5. Moon In Mercury 4:22
6. Hers Is The Twilight 2:54
7. Dreamless (Lucifer And Lilith) 5:16
8. Spring Of Rage 4:04
9. First Light 5:47
Bonus songs:
10. Age Of Mothers 5:42
11. Earth Of Mine 5:25
12. Unhearted 4:25
Total playing time: 57:51 min.


Samples: https://almamater.bandcamp.com

The first re-release of the only full-length studio album by cult Portuguese Melodic Black Metal band, side-project of four of five members by legendary Moonspell, led by Fernando 'Langsuyar' Miguel Santos Ribeiro.
Back in the years of 1997, 1998 E.V., Langsuyar (Fernando Ribeiro's alter ego), invoked his most occult ghosts and hermetic studies, to perform a last ritual. The result was an amazing conjuration of pure demonic force and bestial elegance that became "Hermeticum", the one-off album by Dæmonarch. All songs (except for "Call From The Grave", which is a cover version of a Bathory song) are based on poems that Fernando Ribeiro composed at the age of 14-16. The only then-active Moonspell member that didn't participate on this record was drummer Miguel Gaspar and instead of hiring a session musician, the project simply used a drum computer, which isn't uncommon for Black Metal bands. After the release of "Hermeticum", the side project was disbanded.
"Hermeticum" has been out of print and sold out for too long now, and this reissue brings back all the dark ritualistic vibes that once possessed the life and the work of Langsuyar. Dæmonarch's first and only strike is an absolute must-have record, even if you have to pay a more elevated price for this unfairly forgotten rarity that even most Moonspell fans don't seem to know. This record really deserves to see its name being spread and getting some more attention after all these years. This album is different enough from other Moonspell albums to deserve its own banner, but if you like the usual Gothic Metal style of this band, you will also appreciate this little masterpiece. Let's hope that Moonspell's members bring this project back to life one day!
Re-edition includes upgraded artwork and features 12-page booklet with the long-lost lyrics to all the songs, recovered from the very pits of hell by the author himself.
Century Media Records Ltd./Alma Mater Records/Rastilho Reords, 1998/2020 (AMR-XVIII-MMXX-CD). Made in Portugal.


Tracklist:
1. Lex Talionis 05:32
2. Of a Thousand Young 04:27
3. Corpus Hermeticum 04:51
4. Call from the Grave (Bathory cover) 04:37
5. Samyaza 04:27
6. Nine Angles 05:38
7. Incubus 04:44
8. The Seventh Dæmonarch 06:17
9. Hymn to Lucifer 04:11
Total playing time: 44:44 min.

The third re-release of the debut full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Gothic Metal band.
In the ever Scandinavian-obsessed climate of the early to mid-90’s, album like "Wolfheart" were incredibly important, as they made a bold and defiant statement that there were bands from other countries singing about their own culture and rich folkloric history in pride and passion.
It's funny how, at such an early stage of their career, a band, from a country with a relatively unknown metal presence, can change their sound, and not only succeed, but make one of Metal's unique records. This is a vast departure from the morbid Occult Black Metal with Arabic influences showcased in their earlier "Under The Moonspell" EP, instead delving deeper into the newly-born Gothic Metal sound and its aesthetics. The black metal is still present, though, but in a more melodic form, not unlike the one of the Greeks Rotting Christ (which, casually, would start their turn towards the Gothic side of the Metal spectrum one year after this was released), in the form of tremolo-picked riffs and harsh vocals, and the Folk elements are not quite the ethnic and Arabic influences of the EP, instead using flutes and cleanly sung vocals, thus having a more native (at times, bordering on Celtic) feel. Those influences are in perpetual clash with the Goth Rock influences, like the emotional, bordering on melodramatic baritone vocal performance (with spoken parts) and the abundance of ethereal synths which are the main contributors to the eerie, Dark, Gothic-Horror themed atmosphere of the music. There are some female vocals too, but, they are used not in the obnoxious 'Beauty-and-the-Beast' way, but as background vocals, for most of the time.
"Wolfheart" is a high watermark in modern Lusitanian musical culture, and it's highly recommended for people who have an interest in actual Goth Metal, which can keep a sinister vibe! A wild (midnight) ride!!
Ltd. to 300 copies black vinyl in gatefold cover includes original artwork and 12-page booklet.
Century Media Records/Alma Mater Records/Rastilho Records, 1995/2023 (AMR-MMXXIII-XLI). Made in Portugal. Pressed in Czech.


Tracklist:

Side Wolf
1. Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade) 7:43
2. Love Crimes 7:34
3. Of Dream And Drama (Midnight Ride) 3:59
4. Lua D'inverno 1:48
5. Trebraruna 3:30

Side Heart
6. Vampiria 5:36
7. An Erotic Alchemy 8:05
8. Alma Mater 5:37
9. Ataegina (Bonus Track) 4:01

Total playing time: 47:53 min.

The second re-release of the third full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Gothic Metal band.
"Sin / Pecado" became the great divider of Moonspell "wolfpack". Produced by their long time companion, Waldemar Sorychta, the songs of this “accursed” album were signs of a rebellion of the band against the sound that made them famous in the scene. Instead of wolves and vampires, Moonspell set the compass to songs filled with Electronica and Dark Wave moods that talked about the European Community or the love for a woman.
Frontman Fernando Ribeiro says: "There was true creative anguish burning inside us in 1997, after we were done with the endless "Irreligious"’ tours, that created the perfect (shit)storm that would be "Sin". It was a strange year for us. Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride were letting loose and seemed to be also under the same mood as we did, or vice versa. It doesn’t matter. Metal was turning its wheel, and we’re all on the falling side. We took the fall and enjoyed doing it anyway. It wasn’t Moses dividing the waters, but it did sometimes hurt to feel alone. Curiously, a lot of other people entered "Sin"’s mood a couple of years later, and now they beg of us to play those songs live. If you’re reading this and need another taste of "Sin", let’s indulge each other and pick up that "Second Skin" from the late-nineties deep closet!" 2019 brings us a new chance to take the sinful cup to our lips and see if that red wine has aged better or tastes sweeter than more than twenty years ago…
… Like an ageing wine that tastes better and sweeter than more than twenty years ago: the path-breaking album by Gothic Metal pioneers in a Deluxe Edition reissue!
Limited to 666 copies, Exclusive Band Edition “Sin / Pecado” White 12” LP + “Second Skin” Mustard Yellow 7” Single (for the first time on vinyl!) in gatefold cover.
Napalm Records, 1998/2019 (NPR 913 VINYL / NPR 913 SINGLE). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

“Sin / Pecado” LP
Side SIN
1. Slow Down! 0:40    
2. handmadeGod 5:33    
3. 2econd Skin 4:51    
4. Abysmo 4:59    
5. Flesh 3:04    
6. Magdalene 6:17    
Side PECADO
7. V.C. (Gloria Domini) 4:59    
8. EuroticA 3:49    
9. Mute 5:58    
10. Dekadance 5:49    
11. Let The Children Cum To Me … 6:53    
12. The Hanged Man 6:26    
13. 13 ! 2:42    
Running time: 62:00 min.

“Second Skin” Single
Side One
1. Magdamix
Side Two
2. 3rd Skin

The first re-release of the twelfth full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Dark/Gothic Metal band.
Dark Metal's finest art project, Moonspell, outclasses all standards with their colossal "1755". …1755 marks the year of the horror, when a giant earthquake destroyed the city of Lisbon. Almost 100.000 souls lost their lives, and this tragic event still belongs to one of the disastrous catastrophes in European history and nature… In remembrance of the victims and their hometown, Moonspell dedicated the album titled "1755".
The twelfth record from these Portuguese Gothic masters is an orchestral adventure including siren like choirs with a Wagnerian pomp! Strings, bongos, oriental singing, grand guitars are just a tiny part of this amazing piece of work. From the first second, the conceptual dramaturgy of the album feels like a detonation of the mind. Playful and mean-spirited. "1755" is an adventure in medieval landscapes full of threats, guarded by stirring hymns, including the bad luck "Desastre". Choirs filled with fear stab into the wild disharmony of the guitars. The album is emotionally, technically and completely breathtaking!
"1755" is their magnum opus, a musical masterpiece and the dark adventure into medieval times. Produced by Tue Madsen (Meshuggah, The Haunted, Dark Tranquility, Dir En Grey, Die Apokalyptischen Reiter), naturally this album is sang completely in Portuguese and outclass all standards you have ever heard from Moonspell before!
The album features Paulo Bragança, supplying a hauntingly voice of a Fado fallen angel who is a big part of the Portuguese culture. His fascinating vocals are featured in "In Tremor Dei" ("Fear Of God"). Another guest appearance is Martin Lopez (Soen, ex-Amon Amarth, ex-Opeth) representing Darbuka in "1755" song. Crystal Mountain Singers (Carmen Simões, Mariangela Demurtas, Silvia Guerreiro) sung choirs.
Strictly Limited to 300 copies worldwide, Exclusive Mailorder Edition Yellow Vinyl in gatefold cover.
Napalm Records Handels GmbH, 2017/2021/2023 (NPR 725 VINYL). Made in Germany.


Tracklist:

Side 17
1. Em Nome Do Medo - In The Name Of Fear (Orchestral Version By Jon Phipps) 5:33
2. 1755 5:12
3. In Tremor Dei - In Fear Of God (Feat. Paulo Bragança) 4:27
4. Desastre - Disaster 3:23
5. Abanão - Quake 4:09

Side 55
6. Evento - Event 4:44
7. 1 De Novembro - November 1st 3:54
8. Ruínas - Ruins 4:46
9. Todos Os Santos - All Saints 5:11
10. Lanterna Dos Afogados - Drowned Men's Lantern (Os Paralamas Do Sucesso cover) 6:31

Total playing time: 47:50 min.

The thirteenth full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Dark/Gothic Metal band.
Band's first album without original drummer Miguel "Mike" Gaspar. Drums performed by new member Hugo Ribeiro (not related to singer Fernando Ribeiro).
Moonspell is approaching their 30th anniversary as a band more ambitiously and stronger than ever. "Hermitage" built upon the dark, revolutionary and sensitive facets. It’s an entertaining yet epic journey through the darkest days of human existence.
"Hermitage" is a mature album that only a band as classy, talented and experienced as Moonspell could have written. The record oozes sophistication and aplomb as it takes the listener to a dazzling journey through different shades of Dark Rock anchored in the band’s classic Gothic sound, but modernized with a multitude of different influences, from modern Progressive/Alternative Rock, to Psychedelia, to Jazz and Electronic music. All these influences are blended together with disarming simplicity, relying on minimalistic arrangements and a warm, stripped-down sound that exalts the essence of each song. When the album finally opens up, it is deeply intoxicating with its obscure romantic atmosphere. 
"Hermitage" shows that Moonspell are still a fresh and very relevant voice in today’s Metal, nearly 25 years since they have moved their first steps in the scene. This is a massive achievement for the Portuguese band, and one that not many of their peers can claim to have fulfilled.
"Hermitage" is a revolutionary, wonderfully intuitive and epic journey by one of the most distinctive Dark Metal bands of all time, and a testament to what they’ve always loved the most: honest, emotional Metal that binds us even in the darkest times.
Limited Band Edition Smoke Gold Double Vinyl in gatefold cover includes 8-page booklet.
Napalm Records Handels GmbH, 2021 (NPR998VINYL). Made in Germany. First press.


Tracklist:

Side I
1. The Greater Good 5:04
2. Common Prayers 4:03
3. All Or Nothing 7:23
4. Hermitage 4:43
Side II
5. Entitlement 6:16
6. Solitarian 4:07
7. The Hermit Saints 4:22
Running time: 35:58 min.

Side III
8. Apohthegmata 5:41
9. Without Rule 7:42
10. City Quitter (Outro) 2:59
Side IV
11. Darkness In Paradise (Candlemass cover) 7:18
Running time: 23:40 min.

Total playing time: 59:38 min.

The second re-release of the second full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Gothic Metal band.
If an alien ever visited the Earth and asked “what is Gothic Metal?”, a peace offering of "Irreligious", Moonspell’s groundbreaking 1996 album, would have been the perfect answer to the inhabitant of a far, far away galaxy. "Irreligious" is the jewel of the crown of the style. Because of its prefect balance. Not too little, not too much, this album is the perfect pitch and absolute archetype of Gothic Metal. It is the crossroad where Metal meets Gothic and lead the way to a different style and fusion between the darkened elegance of Goth and the powerful depths of Heavy Metal. At one time modern and classic, it truly survived the test of time with the most amazing the style has ever heard, from the smashing hit-opener "Opium" to Moonspell’s eternal ode to the Moon in the shape of "Full Moon Madness". The latter is usually the closing song during almost every Moonspell concert, which over time has become a characteristic of their concerts. Before the song begins, Fernando Ribeiro often makes the sign of the circle (symbolizing Moon) over the crowd. 
The tracklist in near-perfect, with songs that are lean and catchy but at the same time rich in depth and texture, which ensures the album withstands, and in fact almost invites, repeated listens.
The production is alright, but it causes the guitars to sound thin in a few places. The guitars are midway between heavy and melodic. There are no solos but some interesting leads. The songs have a dark yet upbeat vibe to them. The overall feel is something epic and stylishly evil.
The bass does its own thing for the most part, since there was only one guitarist on this album. He follows the drums but adds a sufficient flare to keep things fascinating. The drums are creative and the beginnings of Miguel coming into his own. There are some underlying keyboards, which are mostly used as background.
The vocals are brilliant and go from a low deathly growl to a more mid-high shriek. The clean vocal is the standard deep Gothic-esq croon. There is also a female vocalist at "Raven Claws".
"Irreligious" is one of those albums that tell a story from beginning to end. The lyrics are poetic, introspective, and expansive. When combined with the highly original music, they create a moody, sexy atmosphere that works well.
"Irreligious" is a sublime album of quintessential Gothic Metal. It is one of those records that define the genre itself, masterfully combining the harshness of Extreme Metal with Dark Atmospheric Gothic Rock. "Irreligious" is a masterpiece. It’s an album that has stood the test of time and has risen to be one of the best records not only in Moonspell’s discography, but also in the genre as a whole!!
25th Anniversary re-release on Solid White Vinyl in gatefold cover includes 8-page booklet.
Century Media Records/Alma Mater Records/Rastilho Records, 1996/2021/2023 (AMR-MMXXI-XXX-LP). Made in Portugal.


Tracklist:

Side A
1. Perverse...Almost Religious 1:07
2. Opium 2:46
3. Awake 3:05
4. For A Taste Of Eternity 3:53
5. Ruin & Misery 3:48
6. A Poisoned Gift 5:34

Side B
7. Subversion 2:44
8. Raven Claws 3:16
9. Mephisto 4:58
10. Her Spiegelmann 4:35
11. Full Moon Madness 6:47

Total playing time: 42:33 min.

The third re-release of the debut full-length studio album by legendary Portuguese Gothic Metal band.
In the ever Scandinavian-obsessed climate of the early to mid-90’s, album like "Wolfheart" were incredibly important, as they made a bold and defiant statement that there were bands from other countries singing about their own culture and rich folkloric history in pride and passion.
It's funny how, at such an early stage of their career, a band, from a country with a relatively unknown metal presence, can change their sound, and not only succeed, but make one of Metal's unique records. This is a vast departure from the morbid Occult Black Metal with Arabic influences showcased in their earlier "Under The Moonspell" EP, instead delving deeper into the newly-born Gothic Metal sound and its aesthetics. The black metal is still present, though, but in a more melodic form, not unlike the one of the Greeks Rotting Christ (which, casually, would start their turn towards the Gothic side of the Metal spectrum one year after this was released), in the form of tremolo-picked riffs and harsh vocals, and the Folk elements are not quite the ethnic and Arabic influences of the EP, instead using flutes and cleanly sung vocals, thus having a more native (at times, bordering on Celtic) feel. Those influences are in perpetual clash with the Goth Rock influences, like the emotional, bordering on melodramatic baritone vocal performance (with spoken parts) and the abundance of ethereal synths which are the main contributors to the eerie, Dark, Gothic-Horror themed atmosphere of the music. There are some female vocals too, but, they are used not in the obnoxious 'Beauty-and-the-Beast' way, but as background vocals, for most of the time.
"Wolfheart" is a high watermark in modern Lusitanian musical culture, and it's highly recommended for people who have an interest in actual Goth Metal, which can keep a sinister vibe! A wild (midnight) ride!!
Ltd. to 500 copies Box Set includes:
- Numbered clamshell type box;
- “Wolfheart” LP (exclusive colour – Blue/White “Quad” Splatter vinyl in gatefold cover and 12-page booklet);
- “Vampiria” 12” Single (exclusive colour – Blood Splatter vinyl in gatefold cover; 45 RPM);
- “Wolfheart” MC (exclusive colour – Red Version);
- “Wolfheart” 2CD Digipack (incl. exclusive Bonus CD with live tracks);
- “Wolfheart” 105x60 cm Flag (exclusive item);
- “Wolfheart Symbol” Enamel Pin (exclusive item);
- “Wolfheart” 5x5 cm Patch (exclusive item).
Century Media Records/Alma Mater Records/Rastilho Records, 1995/2023 (MMXXIII-XLI-BOX). Made in Portugal. First press.


Tracklist:

“Wolfheart” LP
Side Wolf
1. Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade) 7:43
2. Love Crimes 7:34
3. Of Dream And Drama (Midnight Ride) 3:59
4. Lua D'inverno 1:48
5. Trebraruna 3:30
Side Heart
6. Vampiria 5:36
7. An Erotic Alchemy 8:05
8. Alma Mater 5:37
9. Ataegina (Bonus Track) 4:01
Running time: 47:53 min.


“Vampiria” 12” Single
Side A
1. Vampiria (Original Version)
Side B
2. Vampiria (Live in Paris 1995)

2CD
CD 1 “Wolfheart”
01. Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade) 7:43
02. Love Crimes 7:34
03. Of Dream And Drama (Midnight Ride) 3:59
04. Lua D'inverno 1:48
05. Trebraruna 3:30
06. Vampiria 5:36
07. An Erotic Alchemy 8:05
08. Alma Mater 5:37
09. Ataegina (Bonus Track) 4:01
CD 2 “Moonspell Live (1995)”
01. Intro *
02. Love Crimes *
03. ...Of Dream And Drama (Midnight Ride) *
04. An Erotic Alchemy *
05. Lua D'Inverno *
06. Trebraruna *
07. Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade) **
08. Vampiria **
09. Alma Mater **
*Live at Saarbrüchen, Germany, winter of 1995
**Live at Paris, France, fall of 1995

“Wolfheart” MC
Side Wolf
1. Wolfshade (A Werewolf Masquerade) 7:43
2. Love Crimes 7:34
3. Of Dream And Drama (Midnight Ride) 3:59
4. Lua D'inverno 1:48
Side Heart
5. Trebraruna 3:30
6. Vampiria 5:36
7. An Erotic Alchemy 8:05
8. Alma Mater 5:37
9. Ataegina (Bonus Track) 4:01
Running time: 47:53 min.