About.com Rating

Twilight begin anew with the exit of former Nachtmystium frontman Blake Judd. Enter former Sonic Youth mastermind Thurston Moore; whose musical credentials speak for themselves and you have III: Beneath Trident’s Tomb.

The black metal pedigree includes Wrest of Leviathan, who put out one of the most anger-inducing black metal albums in recent memory out a few years ago, namely True Traitor, True Whore.

The angst, fear and emotion run rampant within a band continuing to find their identity.

Atmosphere is front and center on this album with Moore adding layers of sound, and Stavros Giannopolous (Altar Of Plagues) and Sanford Parker adding more depth to this album than the deep end of the local swimming pool.

Imperial’s vocal performance is excellent, fitting the anxiety ridden soundscapes of “Oh Wretched Son,” whose up and down tempo keeps you guessing. A guitar solo near the middle features Moore reaching into his noise rock bag-o-tricks for an excellent solo which sounds better and better upon each listen.

The violently buzzing “A Flood Of Eyes” takes on a life of its own. Wrest’s bass is omnipresent in the background with the guitar being layered over the top of the track. The turmoil that has affected the band members such as Wrest’s legal issues, Thurston Moore’s divorce, Altar of Plagues ending their run, and the trials and tribulations of Blake Judd that led to the end of Nachtmystium has painted a bleak picture on this album.

It is also sad that Twilight are ending things with this release. It has all come full circle for all of those involved with this project; past and present. Feeling the demise in sonic form, you’ll have a tough time getting this much depth from a “super group” any time soon.

(released March 18, 2014 on Century Media Records)