Music
The Immortal Embrace
Imagine a peaceful countryside in the dead of night, quiet, sleeping. Silvery shadows of moonlight weave through the ancient vines, casting a haunting glow upon the stillness. Yet, beneath the tranquil surface, a malevolent force stirs, a nightmare that glides over the unsuspecting realm.
The air becomes thick with a palpable sense of dread as the inhabitants, once living in blissful ignorance, now find themselves entwined in an invisible nightmare they could never have fathomed. A cursed being, thousands of years old, vampiric in nature begins a reign of terror.
"I am all that you need," it whispers to on the wind, a promise or a threat, as the nightmare unfurls its tendrils, reaching into the very core of the once-tranquil land. The being takes a victim under its wing as a slave, a thrall, granting the gift, or the curse, of immortal life. The malevolence continues, unseen and feared, a feast for the unclean.
LUNAR ASCENDENCE EP
Moonskin’s first EP includes four tracks: Subjugation and Oppression, Lunar Ascendence, Altering the Entity, and a cover of Paranoid.
The EP explores concepts of: subjugation, oppression, war, lycanthropy, duality: logic and instinct, the conscious and unconscious mind, temptation and restraint, reinvention, rebuilding and revenge.
“Subjugation and Oppression” a darker track, inspired by Rammstein and Lamb Of God, deals with concepts of subjugation, oppression, war, and radicalized ideologies fighting for power.
“Lunar Ascendence”, the EP’s title track (heavily inspired by In Flames and a tribute to their sound), is about a protagonist experiencing a tantalizing, intoxicating, lycanthropic transformation, while fighting to retain humanity. It’s about the battle between the human and the animal, between logic and instinct, between the conscious and unconscious mind, between temptation and restraint.
”Altering The Entity” is a Gothenburg Sound style track with elements of In Flames and Dark Tranquility, and is about rebuilding one’s self into a stronger and more more powerful entity, and about revenge. The song is an exploration into melodic metal by Myr with Lyrics by Moonskin.
”Paranoid” is a Black Sabbath cover and Megadeth inspired version of the original song. The cover is a down tuned, melodic version, which came about while noodling about and exploring different variations of rhythms and melodic passages for fun.
Cover art by Aleksandr Nikonov
Lycanthropy
“Lycanthropy” is a Meshuggah like grinding, energetic, track about Lycanthropy and the bloody, grisly, horror of a Lycanthrope enslaved by the moon’s insatiable bloodlust, rampaging through the darkened woods on a moonlit night causing death and destruction to all he encounters.
Included is a cover of HIM’s Soul of Fire. Moonskin’s rendition of Soul on Fire is sure to please.
Melody for the grey
"Melody for the Grey" a melodic and melancholy look at loss, grief, healing, and holding ones head high and rising to life's challenge. Fans of In Flames are sure to enjoy this Gothenburg Sounding Track.
"In the air tonight" is a take on the In this Moment cover of the Phil Collins song, and a cover of the Phil Collins song of the same name.
Blakkr Jarn Burdr Daggr
“BLAKKR JARN BURDR DAGR” or “Atramentous Observance of Diurnal Course” or "Black Metal Happy Birthday" done in the style of True Canadian Underground Black Metal. A loving tribute to underground black metal, low quality 90's music videos and kvlt re-birthdays. A very special thanks to everyone who helped and made this video possible: Devo LC, Alex A, Jacki L, Brett F, Adam S, Leigh C, Jake K, Kyle H, Karissa F, Pat J and many more who we haven't mentione
About
Moonskin is Northern Dark Melodic Metal from Canada.
Taking inspiration from the dark eeriness of the forest at night, the music is a combination of symphonic and melodic death metal sound, with groove and black metal influences, culminating in a rhythmic and intellectually focused sonic landscape.
The music and lyrics delve into a wide range of emotion and explore fantastical concepts of the supernatural, lycanthropy, high fantasy, and horror; touching on exploration, loss, healing, ascension, power, life and death. With musical influences like In Flames, Children of Bodom, Meshuggah, Lamb of God and Six Feet Under, for fans of the melodic metal genre Moonskin is certain to please.
Moonskin began in 2009 as an idea of being a place for exploration of musical concepts that were outside the scope of Northwind (Kris North’s former band). Kris, Moonskin’s founder, had written nearly an albums worth of material that was yet unused and thus the album concept for Lycanthropy was born. Over nearly a decade of work at a leisurely pace the first (fun) track was released in 2017. ” Blakkr Jarn Burdr Daggr” or atramentous observance of diurnal course, or black metal happy birthday is a happy birthday song done as a tribute to black metal.
Subsequent single releases followed. “Melody for the Grey” (2019), is a melodic and melancholy look at loss, grief, healing, and holding ones head high and rising to life's challenge. Lycanthropy (2020), is a Meshuggah like grinding, energetic, track about Lycanthropy and the bloody, grisly, horror of a Lycanthrope enslaved by the moon’s insatiable bloodlust, rampaging through the darkened woods on a moonlit night causing death and destruction to all he encounters.
Moonskin’s first full length EP release, “Lunar Ascendence” (2022) is a dark look at subjugation, oppression, war, lycanthropy, duality: logic and instinct, the conscious and unconscious mind, temptation and restraint, reinvention, rebuilding and revenge.
A forthcoming full length album (release date yet undetermined), “Lycanthropy” is a rich drawing from many styles across the metal genre and focusses on telling a high fantasy tale about a town haunted by a Lycanthrope and the horror, gore, adventure, chaos, and transcendence that ensue.
Imagine walking through a dark forest at night, a rich smell of pine on a gentle breeze rustling the trees. A large, sadistic, haunting moon glares down at you through gnarled tree branches. Your hair starts to rise as you hear the far off howl of a lone wolf. You shudder as thankfully it is so far off. The shudder turns to panic as you hear an answering chorus, this time closer, and from all around you. You realize there is something standing outlined in the darkness, watching you from the hill ahead. Something eight feet tall, heavily muscled, and with the head of a wolf…… This is the music of Moonskin.
Video
Lunar Ascendence Art Video
An art video depicting the struggle between opposites.
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News
Dark Melodic Metal Act Moonskin Unleashes "THE Immortal Embrace" - A Symphony of Nightmarish Horror
Kelowna, BC, January 29, 2024 - Emerging from the depths of Metal scene, Moonskin announces their latest sonic creation, "The Immortal Embrace." This single is a haunting tale of a malevolent vampiric force inflicting unseen horror across a peaceful countryside. The single explores concepts of enslavement and the haunting juxtaposition that the line between a gift and curse is slim. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Rammstein, Rob Zombie, and Six Feet Under, Moonskin promises a relentless blend of melodic, doom, and industrial metal that will captivate and chill listeners to their core.
As the successor to their first EP, "Lunar Ascendence," Moonskin continues to push the boundaries of their sound. "The Immortal Embrace" weaves a tale of terror through relentless riffs, industrial beats, and ominous melodies. Vocalist and guitarist Kris North, the creative force behind Moonskin, describes the single as a musical journey inspired by the darkest corners of the human psyche.
"The concept of 'The Immortal Embrace' delves into the chilling narrative of a vampiric force that creeps unseen across a tranquil countryside, inflicting a horrific nightmare upon its unsuspecting victims," shares Kris. "This song is an exploration of the eternal struggle between the allure of supernatural gifts and the harrowing curses they bring. It explores the complexities of vampirism, enslavement, and the inherent duality in all things – the good and the evil, the price we pay for power."
Fans of melodic and industrial metal and those seeking a musical odyssey into the realms of fantasy and darkness can immerse themselves in the captivating sounds of "The Immortal Embrace." The single was released on January 31, 2024, and is available on all major streaming platforms.
For press inquiries, interviews, or promotional materials, please contact: Moonskin at: moonskinofficial@gmail.com
Moonskin Lunar Ascendence Cover
Art By: Kris North
LUNAR ASCENDENCE EP released August 19th 2022
Moonskin’s first EP “Lunar Ascendence” will be released on August 19th 2022 on all platforms.
The EP includes four tracks: Subjugation and Oppression, Lunar Ascendence, Altering the Entity, and a cover of Paranoid.
“Subjugation and Oppression”, a darker track inspired by (Rammstein, Lamb Of God, and Souljourn) deals with concepts of subjugation, oppression, war and the distasteful human practise of a more powerful entity imposing its will on a weaker one. Inspired by global empire building and radicalized extreme left and right wing ideologies attempting to impose their will.
“Lunar Ascendence”, the EP’s title track (heavily inspired by In Flames and a tribute to their sound), is about the experience of a protagonist who grievously injured, lays dying and near death is hit by moonlight, and begins a lycanthropic transformation. The song describes the tantalizing, intoxicating power of transforming to a werewolf, while fighting to retain one’s humanity. This is a metaphor for finding strength when you are broken down to your lowest point, and about the battle between the human and the animal, between logic and instinct, between the conscious and unconscious mind, between temptation and restraint.
”Altering The Entity” is a Gothenburg Sound style track with elements of In Flames and Dark Tranquility, and is about rebuilding one’s self stronger and more powerfully after hitting rock bottom, about building a stronger more powerful entity, and revenge. The song is an exploration into melodic metal by Myr with Lyrics by Moonskin.
”Paranoid” is a Black Sabbath cover and Megadeth inspired version of the original song. The cover is a downtuned, melodic version, which came about while noodling about and exploring different variations of rhythms and melodic passages for fun.
Lycanthropy Cover
Art by: Aleksandr Nikonov
https://www.artstation.com/niconoff
Lycanthropy Single to be released december 1st 2020
The Upcoming Single Lycanthropy will be released on December 1st 2020 on all Major Platforms.
The single will include two tracks. The first track, “Lycanthropy” a Meshuggah like grinding, energetic, track about Lycanthropy and the bloody, grisly, horror of a Lycanthrope enslaved by the moon’s insatiable bloodlust, rampaging through the darkened woods on a moonlit night causing death and destruction to all he encounters.
The Second track is a cover of HIM’s Soul of Fire. Adding some heavier guitars, dropping the tuning, and adding some screaming vocals, Moonskin’s rendition of Soul on Fire is sure to please.
Melody For the Grey Cover
Art by: Kris Kolesnikoff
Melody For THe Grey RELEASED AUGUST 2019
Released on August 6th, 2019, A melody for the grey is the first single for the full length release "Lycanthropy" by Moonskin. Comprising of "Melody for the Grey" a melodic and melancholy look at loss, grief, healing, and holding ones head high and rising to life's challenge. Melody for the grey also sits within the storyline of "Lycanthropy" as the protagonist experiences the loss of a loved one, and begins his healing and transformation into another form.
"In the air tonight" is a take on the In this Moment cover of the Phil Collins song, and a cover of the Phil Collins song of the same name. In this version, the song focuses on an angry more vengeful vibe, as the protagonist reflects on being wronged and a complicated revenge plot smoothly proceeding according to plan on a specific night.