Isiliel’s debut, Moonbow Genesis, was one of 2023’s greatest surprises. Himari Tsukishiro (Necronomidol) truly sprouted her own wings in this adventurous project that leaned further into post/black territory than it did alt-idol tendencies. It was a unique release that captured a ‘East meets West’ spirit in all the right ways, and in some surprising ones too. Moonbow Rebellion, as it’s successor has big shoes to fill for those familiar with Isiliel. Returning to Norway again to write and record with Nicholay Hovland, with assistance from Kristian Brynjulfsen, proved to be a massive strength. Rebellion is a massive step-up in every way, from everyone across the board, and sounds nothing less than revolutionary.
It doesn’t take long to hear the similar beats to what Isiliel accomplished with Moonbow Genesis, and only a few more when one realizes how much bigger and more developed Moonbow Rebellion sounds in comparison. The innovative ‘East meets West’ sound that Isiliel conjured up remains the initial draw, which feels far more enigmatic this time. In fact, this time around, it sounds even more metallic than idol-y, and production-wise it can flex with much of what’s coming around from the established label-backed metallic legions. The key difference here is nothing if not heart. For as epic and metal-sounding Moonbow Rebellion sounds, there’s always a charismatic warmth that emerges from the enticing darkness. A prime example of this is the pre-release single “Serpent’s Aubade,” which begins as a seductive slither, which slowly builds up momentum into something that’s almost tribal (complete with standout drumwork) and occult-ish in tone. The added folk instrumentation adding to the exotic flair as the track moves forward, but when the song reaches it’s climax, the mood changes. The guitarwork soars in bright melodies, outmatched only by Himari’s spellbinding performance as her voice seems to ascend as the melodies swell.
That said, where Genesis seemed to be more content to revel in more blackened and occasionally folk waters, Rebellion flaunts a more diverse metallic underbelly. “Umbral Exorcism” opens with a NWOBHM-vibe that’s funneled through The Jester Race-era In Flames, full of standout galloping riffs and raging energy. The enhanced production allows them to really dig their toes in and snarl, elevating the contrast between the gritty riffing and Himari’s angelic voice. Toss in some vibrant keyboards and it’s a swirling mix of rollicking heavy metal fun that feels familiar enough to get fists pounding in the air, but still feels quite unlike anything you’ve heard in the genre. “Noctifer Rising” utilizes an almost macabre atmosphere with a sprinkling of melancholy beneath until it escalates the tempo and becomes both playful and hypnotic. “Lunar Incantation” stands as perhaps the ‘blackest’ of the album, merging buzzing riffs with beautiful vocals and immersive clean melodies in a powerful and emotive climax.
Speaking of Himari, her performance here is nothing if not standout and displays a vast diversity that elevates her to the next level. On the crunchy, groove-laden “Moonbow Legions,” she moves from soft-spoken and serene to a soaring commander that grabs your attention with compulsion. Enticing from get-go, opener “Black Moon” starts off with a primal metallic scream before settling into uptempo melodies that share time with her as she triumphantly carries the track forward with charm and passion. She later uses a lower, rasp-y range for the mellow moments of “Vesperal Salvation,” raising it with a solemn tone that also conveys a slight hopefulness. An effective spoken word section moves into a powerful, soaring display where her voice swells to more ethereal tones. It’s a move that serves the song as well as providing testament to her range.
The last piece to touch on with this album is the overall flow. Each track flows together to weave the Moonbow tale, keeping the listener fascinated by the movements of each particular song and allowing for a smooth transition to the next. The playfulness of the guitar that closes “Black Moon” swaps out for eerie synths and keys for “Sanguine Covenant” before it launches a barrage of drum blasts with Himari’s vocals nestled at the top. Some thrashing riffs come to play later in the song, and the transition is seamless. Even the transition that ends closer “Rebellion” acts as an effective loop to move back through the album once more. As the final cut, there’s a sweeping grandeur to the song that makes it feel as epic as it’s longer runtime. Choral voices, gritty mid-tempo riffs, heavenly melodies, and mid-section that is prime for headbanging make it feel like it’ll be an excellent live number (and potential sing-a-long).
Moonbow Rebellion is something special. It not only one-up’s everything about the debut, but does it in a way that explores fresh territory with a sense of wonder and awe. It’s one of only a few album’s in recent memory that have left this scribe with goosebumps upon first listen. It’s thrilling, mystical, vibrant, and enthralling. The feeling of warmth from darkness is one that’s hard to pull off, but Himari proves herself by putting herself entirely into the music at hand. Spellbinding and leaving you wanting more, what Isiliel has done here is masterful, and worth seeking out for the metal fan who wants something potently heavy as well as profoundly emotive.