Maximum Metal Rating Legend

In 2014, Junius gave us the post-metal masterpiece Days Of The Fallen Sun EP as a precursor of great things to follow. Days Of The Following Sun was a superb follow-up to 2011’s near-flawless Reports From The Threshold Of Death album – their 2nd full length.

If anyone was extremely excited for a new Junius album it was me. Although I was anxiously expecting something to drop from them in 2015, it just didn’t happen. I knew – without a shadow of a doubt – that it would happen in 2016. That unfortunately, didn’t happen either. Well, out of nowhere, the advertisements started rolling in that Eternal Rituals For The Accretion Of Light, their 3rd full-length album, would be released in early March. Without even hearing it, I knew it was going to be one of the best metal albums of 2017 – and easily my most anticipated albums of the past 3 or 4 years. Was the wait worth it? Absolutely!! Although Michael Repasch-Nieves (guitar) and Joel Munguia (bass) split sometime after Days Of The Fallen Sun, Joseph E. Martinez (vocals, guitars) and Dana Filloon (drums) continued to burn the torch and recorded the album as a two piece and quite frankly, it may be their best one yet.

As much as I loved Reports From The Threshold Of Death, I’m so glad they didn’t make a Reports II. Eternal Rituals is heavier at times, more melodic at times, overall sonically different from previous albums, and has more of a Deftones influence than ever before. The first track, "March Of The Samsara", showcases Junius’ strength as a post-metal band with mixing in a mild gothic influence. "Beyond The Pale Society" has a strong Deftones riff vibe and works great with Martinez’s crooning vocals over the loud instrumentation. "A Mass For Metaphysicians" is probably my favorite track on the album. Not only is the music Deftones influenced, the vocals are something that Chino (The Deftones vocalist) would be very proud of himself. Other favorite and standout tracks include "Clean The Beast", "The Queen’s Constellation", "Telepaths & Pyramids", and the awesome album closer, "Black Sarcophagus".

The production is awesome and every instrument can be heard equally on each track. The vocals blend in well and are not overbearing and are also not drowned out by all of the loudness. Another great aspect of Eternal Rituals (as well as on past albums by them) is the atmospheric keyboard sounds on every track. There is just enough added to enhance every song to their full potential.

Junius have definitely upped their game on Eternal Rituals For The Accretion Of Light. Although it is only March, Eternal Rituals is already my most-played album of the year and easily in my top 3 releases of the year so far. I recommend this for fans of The Deftones, Post-Metal, and anyone that likes great atmospheric & emotional music.