Those of you, who like a “wee bit” of Power Metal might know the artist behind the music we review today very well. He is the mastermind behind the video animations for Powerwolf’s live shows.
Those of you who paid a visit to Rock & Metal Day’z during the past couple of years should know him as well, he is the artist who creates all artwork for this cosy festival.
Those of you who are not only interested in mainstream metal will know this smart gentleman from his work for bands like Keep Of Kalessin, Night In Gales, or Nyktophobia.
I am also pretty sure that most of you know him as Totleben, the founder and guitarist of Totengeflüster, a band that sadly disbanded in 2020, although their music has never faded from light. Those of you who remember Totengeflüster might have met him in person at Wolfszeit Festival 2020, their final show.
I am, of course, talking about none other than Simon Bossert, his project Fading Light, and the album The Spell of a New Dawn. So, let’s take a look now, because I’ve already written too much.
Fading Light
– The Spell Of A New Dawn –
A Gathering of Souls
The album begins with a short instrumental. It sounds like someone winds up a clockwork, a symphonic intro leads into some piano notes. Indeed, it sounds like ‘A Gathering of Souls’ to listen to what is coming next.
Crowned with Might
The intro leads directly into the atmospheric opening chords of ‘Crowned with Might’. Double bass drums play in unison with a brutal yet harmonious guitar sound. Together, they create a soundscape that perfectly supports and sustains the half-whispered, half-growled vocals. This is the essence of black metal. Sadly, this song only lasts six minutes — I could dive into it and discover new nuances forever.
On Wings of Vengeance
What follows convinces the dear listeners with more growled vocals and double bass drums without repeating the previous sound motifs. With this fine tune you can fly away from melancholy ‘On Wings of Vengeance’ like a hunting falcon on full speed who strikes the prey in a dive. Do I really need to tell you more about the song, or do you agree?
The Return
It comes along in disguise. ‘The Return’ begins slowly, building up an almost unbearable tension with its silent tunes until the guitars crash in with full force. IF black metal were radio-orientated music, this would be my recommendation for the station. Harsh vocals are underlined by fine melodies and a whispered background choir. If you don’t like this song, you must be deaf or not be into metal at all. Give ‘The Return’ more than one listen and you will discover its brilliance again and again. There is so much to take in during these five minutes that it’s almost unbelievable.
Seeds of Death
We continue very atmospheric and plant some ‘Seeds of Death’. They must be bittersweet seeds and if death is so tasty, it is a delicious death. It even tops my highlight so far, which was the previous track. Suddenly, the Death Metal guitars and harsh vocals turn into whispers and piano notes, which are then overwhelmed by the guitars again. This leads to a brilliant instrumental bridge, before the harsh vocals and choir take control and fade the song out.
Far away from the Stars
Now we return on wings of vengeance after we survived the deadly seed and find ourselves ‘Far away from the Stars’. I imagine that we are on a space expedition, light years from home, in the vast emptiness of space, a desolate expanse ravaged by past wars. We encounter surviving souls and establish a new world, a new home. While I dream away in my fantasy, the song naturally follows on from the previous pieces of sweet music.
Necromance
Synths open this fine tune, followed by piano notes which are quickly overpowered by brutal growls and guitars. The little guitar flourishes are great fun to listen to, too, while the synths and piano try to regain control of the song. They succeed, combining with the vocals and finding peace with the guitars to become a peaceful black metal ‘Necromance’ of the finest art!
Poltergeist
Sadly, we have already reached the end of the album by the time ‘Poltergeist’ comes to light. It is a true dervish that brings disorder to everything and everyone, whether physical or mental. Does any of you know the film of the same name from 1982? If not, watch it and you will understand this final masterpiece. The instrumentation and vocals are perfect for a true ‘Poltergeist’.
The Quintessence
My point of view
Having listened to the whole album, I can’t really describe what I enjoyed over the last 40 minutes — I’m overwhelmed. This is the music, the sound that I have been searching for for ages. It is melodic, symphonic, mean, harsh and atmospheric – I really like this description – as well as black, death and extreme. It contains everything a symphonic black metal album should contain and even more. There are so many little details to discover with each listen that it’s almost impossible to catch them all. Each song paints its own picture. The album itself is just the frame – or rather, the exhibition of art. I now understand Simoon’s artwork for other bands much better, with a clearer point of view than before. Even though Fading Light is Simon’s own very personal project, I really hope that one day he will find the right musicians again to perform these gems live. I’ll be there for sure, whenever, wherever! I can only give ten out of ten, but The Spell of a New Dawn is my personal twelve!
Here is what Simon himself has to say
“Hey! Thanks for reviewing the album, glad you liked it so much. You said you have been searching for this music for a long time and finally found it here. In fact, its the same for me too. I love this kind of music but I coulndt find it as well. So I wrote it to my liking. Im very happy that quiet some other people like it as well. The detailwork is important to me so I think its in very good shape now to be released in this state and im proud to have made it to the finish line with this album. Lets see what the future holds!”
Short Facts
Fading Light
The Spell Of A New Dawn
Label: Apostasy Records
Release: 13 November 2026
Track List
A Gathering of Souls 1:04
Crowned with Might 6:05
On Wings of Vengeance – 4:51
The Return – 5:06
Seeds of Death 6:25
Far Away from the Stars 5:36
Necromance – 4:32
Poltergeist 5:51
Online
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