Review: Morbonoct’s new album "The Highest Purpose"

Cosmic Black Metal band Morbonoct are releasing their most recent album The Highest Purpose today, the 19th of February.

Morbonoct started in 2021 as a studio project, and they have released an album every year since. It is the first time I listen to them, and I must say I really like their music.

This band focuses on Space as a theme, so you can expect spacey and atmospheric sounds and melodies. From synthesiser characteristic sounds to wacky sounds that very much suggest the space stuff.

But they are indeed a Black Metal band. Maybe a bit more melodic and/or more symphonic than not. I'm not saying this in a bad way, just stating a fact. 

It also gets progressive at times. It is original, and also you can tell there is a massive dose of experience there.

The Highest Purpose has six tracks, all of them long, but you get so immersed in each of them, that you don't even notice that. There are some slow bits like the beginning of the second track, which starts almost as a Doom Metal song, which adds more to the feel and to the atmosphere. But in general, this is a very angry and fast paced album. 

I've reviewed a few space/cosmic Black Metal bands before, and although that's not exactly my thing, I've truly enjoyed all of them. Morbonoct is not an exception, as I really enjoy The Highest Purpose. 

I love the unexpected twists. When you are in the middle of a melodic part, suddenly come all the fastness, the fury, all so well blended. It gets emotional too, as the compositions and tempos go from intricate to very melodic and comfortable in a very short time, catching you by surprise, taking you to a very nostalgic and nearly sad mood.

Then there are also the high pitched clean voices from times to times, almost ghostly, bringing all the weird possible and imaginary vibes you can imagine. This all combined with the very dragged suffered vocals. It is so good.

My favourite track might be track 4 Comet King. 

So, if you enjoy synth as a background in Black Metal music, with entangled and complex melodies and rhythms, with eerie and ethereal voices every now and then, you will really enjoy The Highest Purpose. However, if you are into very fast blast beats and empowering Black Metal music, this is also for you. It is different, but very good.