Moon was originally a solo project exploring the atmospheric avenues that one can evoke in a studio environment.  The style was similar to what I was doing in the band I was in Forn Valdyrheim which was mid 90s Norwegian black metal.  The ambience of Moon struck affinities with what other members of Forn Valdyrheim were interested in and some of the members joined to perform Moon live.  

This is a ritualistic ambient project with emphasis on obscurity and the arcane. The conventions of metal are played down significantly to capture the pure essence of darkness.  Although this may describe black metal overall, there is a lot of variety within the genre and none so much emphasis is put on this aspect as it is with Moon.  

Obscure Black Metal, that which is outside the usual within the bounds of Black Metal has been a strong influence of mine.  Bands like Von and Beherit through to Xasthur and Galgeras are all on the fringes and working outside convention to capture the true essence of darkness.  Darkthrone, Burzum and Mayhem are also of this ilk but are considered less obscure now and more the setting of what to follow; they are bands that we all know and appreciate.  

Metalheads are not the fanbase for this style of Black Metal.  If one is willing to keep clear of convention to preserve the dark drive and black summons they will find much inside the music of Moon.  It is guided imagery hypnotizing the listener into pits beneath the Underworld.  Invocations, evocations and Astral Projection through darkened planes where the moon is beneath and the trees are rooted in air is the basis for this experience.

Caduceus Chalice was released this year through Wolfsvuur and is Moon's first full length; it is a journey through the Underworld.  In 2008 three demo EPs were released of varied styles.  The self title was the most atmospheric and most strongly referenced my past bands' influences.  Apparitions is ambient and layered, it fuses the primitive sound with atmosphere.  Blood is pure and raw, its sound is the most obscure.   The early demo releases sparked interest enough to put back orders on the full length.  Its limited number of copies have been going fast.   

A split was released through Fall of Nature which demonstrated the diversity in Black Metal and another through Svartgalgh in early 2008.  The full length is Moon's greatest example of the direction it is headed, it has reached a level of maturity in composition and what it aims to achieve.  

Moon has a live lineup which plays around our hometown in other main cities in our country.  We have been performing for a year now to high acclaim.  Australia is not well known for its Black Metal but is a breeding ground for original thinkers taking a unique path such as bands like Portal and Spear of Longinus.  Moon paves its own way, its performances have been described as entrancing and hypnotic.   

There are many Black Metal bands and its hard to find too much around that is striking in its conviction.  This is the invoking of unrelenting black hate, it is darkness that is arcane and obscure taking the listener on a guided journey through the realm of the subconscious and the Abyss.  It is not for everybody and not meant to be.    

Caduceus Chalice will be released on CD later this year and another EP is underway.  We are set to perform two more shows this year, a Black Metal festival here in Brisbane and one in Sydney.

Caduceus Chalice on tape through Wolfsvuur (www.wolfsvuur.nl)

The Haunting Resonance split available through Fall of Nature (www.myspace.com/fallofnature)

The other demos have sold out but digital copies can be obtained from me.  If you want to find out more email miasmyr@hotmail.com

August 2010