Metal/Review North Star Union - Where the Last Light Remains
“Where the Last Light Remains,” the debut album from North Star Union, arrives as a haunting and immersive statement of intent from Icelandic composer and multi-instrumentalist Myrmann. As the sole architect behind the music, Myrmann writes and performs every instrumental layer, shaping a dense and evocative soundscape, while four guest vocalists lend distinct voices that deepen the album’s emotional and narrative range. The result is a cinematic listening experience that feels both ancient and otherworldly, rooted in atmosphere as much as in melody.
The album draws heavy inspiration from the cold, unforgiving Nordic winters, channeling their stark beauty into themes of witchcraft, the occult, dark alchemy, mythology, heritage, and the glorification of eras long gone. These ideas are not merely decorative; they pulse through the arrangements, giving each track a sense of ritualistic weight and timeless mystery. Textures feel frostbitten yet alive, as if echoing across frozen landscapes and forgotten ruins.
One of the standout moments, “Echoes of Decay,” perfectly encapsulates the album’s mood. Its shadowed tones and brooding intensity highlight North Star Union’s ability to merge atmosphere with compelling musical storytelling, pulling the listener deeper into the album’s mythic world. The guest vocals here and throughout the record add a human presence that contrasts beautifully with the cold, expansive instrumentation.
What makes “Where the Last Light Remains” especially striking is its cohesion. Despite the varied vocal performances, the album feels unified by Myrmann’s clear artistic vision and meticulous craftsmanship. It is a debut that confidently establishes North Star Union as a project unafraid of darkness, depth, and immersive world-building. For listeners drawn to atmospheric, myth-inspired music with a strong sense of place and mood, “Where the Last Light Remains” offers a powerful and memorable journey into the frozen heart of imagination.