Montreal’s MISERERE LUMINIS have explored a stridently emotive and richly-layered strand of anguished Black Metal since their 2008 formation. Extraordinary new album “Sidera” finds the band completing the journey set by 2023 predecessor (“Ordalie“). Embracing a pristine production with just enough grit in the machine, the band utilise soaring leads and hypnotic arpeggiated guitar patterns – redolent of both lush post-rock and stark DSBM – rhythmic ingenuity, dynamic piano passages and sweeping strings to bolster an all-pervading vocal performance of heart-on-sleeve poignancy, bursting with tragedy and rage.
The cover artwork for “Sidera“, painted by Adam Burke, is an important conceptual summation of the album’s narrative – and that of predecessor “Ordalie” – as Neptune from MISERERE LUMINIS relays:
“The cover art for “Sidera” comes from a very specific inspiration. The idea of fire comes up a lot in the conceptual and symbolic realm of MISERERE LUMINIS. To me it represents some sort of ambiguity, a wild force whose purpose can be altered or moulded through intention; for example, inflicting pain or warming oneself. It can also symbolise trial or transformation. A similar ambiguity can be seen in the cover art of “Sidera“; a silhouette falling and engulfed in flames or being uplifted by celestial fire. This shift in potential and perspective is the core thematic content of the album.
Personally, I like having some sort of consistency from album to album, I love when parallels can be made between different works of Art, and since “Ordalie” and “Sidera” form a single poetic arc (lyrically at least), it made perfect sense for us to work with Adam again for “Sidera“. For both albums, we gave Adam very clear inspirations and references.“
“Sidera” is now officially released and can be consumed in its entirety via Bandcamp and YouTube:
“Sidera” continues to receive high praise from the metal press and beyond:
“Some albums impress. Some albums move you. Very few envelop you entirely, demanding you surrender to their world. “Sidera” belongs firmly in that last category. It is not merely another entry in the discography of the band — it is a defining statement.” (Metal Epidemic)
“So don’t let this one pass you by … or you’ll be missing out on one of the most captivating albums of the year.” (No Clean Singing)
“With “Ordalie“, MISERERE LUMINIS had already revealed the full extent of their potential, yet “Sidera” unquestionably represents an unexpected leap in quality.” (Metalitalia)
“Sidera” is available on CD and vinyl – including a special t-shirt design – via DMP’s EU, US and Bandcamp shops.
At the beginning of April, MISERERE LUMINIS will embark upon a European tour alongside Austrian Black Metal band DÉTRESSE – discover all dates here:
SIDERA TOUR 2026 – MISERERE LUMINIS + DÉTRESSE
04/04 – Munich, DE – Dark Easter Metal Meeting*
06/04 – Prague, CZ – Modrá Vopice
07/04 – Kraków, PL – Klub Gwarek
08/04 – Wrocław, PL – Klub Muzyczny Liverpool
09/04 – Leipzig, DE – Hellraiser
10/04 – Erfurt, DE – Bandhaus
11/04 – Namur, BE – Belvédère
12/04 – Paris, FR – Glazart
13/04 – Nantes, FR – Cold Crash
14/04 – Bordeaux, FR – Salem Bar
15/04 – Lyon, FR – Rock ’n’ Eat
17/04 – Basel, CH – Valhalla
18/04 – Mannheim, DE – 7er Club
* without DÉTRESSE
Tickets for all dates can be obtained here!
MISERERE LUMINIS are an unorthodox, atmospheric Black Metal band who hail from Montreal and are born from the minds behind GRIS and SOMBRES FORÊTS, two prime-movers in the Québécois underground Black Metal scene. The band’s eponymous debut album was released in late 2009 on Sepulchral Productions, after which the band returned to the shadows. MISERERE LUMINIS was resurrected in 2018 for the creation of acclaimed second opus, “Ordalie“, which was unleashed in June 2023. Various live gigs – including an expansive Autumn 2024 tour through Europe with GIVRE – followed and demonstrated the band’s move towards a more luminous presence in future.
MISERERE LUMINIS is: Neptune, Annatar, Icare
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