Where to start with… Cult Of Luna

(Image credit: Silvia Gray)

Cult Of Luna are the face of modern post-metal. Although the genre was pioneered by Neurosis and Godflesh in the early ‘90s, the Swedish six-piece – whose line-up includes three guitarists and two drummers – have eclipsed their forebears’ popularity. All eight of their albums are considered standouts in one shape or form, making it difficult for newcomers to find an entry point. But if you are new to them, here’s how to navigate their sometimes intimidating back catalogue.

The classic: Somewhere Along The Highway (2006)

Cult Of Luna rarely plumb the depths of their back-catalogue live, mostly favouring songs from after 2008’s Eternal Kingdom. However, two oldies they frequently bust out are Finland and Dark City Dead Man. The pair are highlights from 2006’s Somewhere Along The Highway, a record that many fans consider the band’s best. A concept album about male loneliness that’s dark, raw and grinding even in its softer moments, it set the blueprint for the band’s current soundscape and deserves its acclaimed status.

The connoisseurs’ choice: Vertikal/Vertikal II (2013)

The lost treasure: Salvation (2004)

The wild card: Mariner (2016)

The one that started it all: Cult Of Luna (2001)

Louder’s resident Gojira obsessive was still at uni when he joined the team in 2017. Since then, Matt’s become a regular in Prog and Metal Hammer, at his happiest when interviewing the most forward-thinking artists heavy music can muster. He’s got bylines in The Guardian, The Telegraph, NME, Guitar and many others, too. When he’s not writing, you’ll probably find him skydiving, scuba diving or coasteering.

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