This imaginatively entitled Milanese outfit may be a new one with a debut album here but that should not put you off as there are a wealth of ideas on display over this hour’s-worth of music. Essentially, we are in the world of doom and there are facets of both the deathly and funereal side of things here. ‘Ascension’ follows on from an EP and single and it is mastered by Øystein G. Brun of Borknagar.

With a soothing neo-classical sound, we are eased into opener ‘Mira’ and richly embraced as the track opens up and atmospherically soaks us in the elongated leonine growls of Maurizio Caverzan. So far so slow and so good but nothing outside the box as one settles down to a sound that is most certainly placed in that funereal coffin box. One should not get too comfortable though and this is quite a versatile listen, for a start it lightens and is far from miserable, indeed as the tempo rises it becomes (shock horror) quite uplifting. There’s a sparkling jangle that has a touch of post rock about it and the birdsong warble and spoken parts of first special guest Lucia Amelia Emmanueli (Monochrome the city, Trewa). Maurizio is not one to settle back with the weathered growls either and rafter raises his vocal presence with some hugely elevated clean roars. We have it appears “Ascended” and I have to admit this hefty opener has captivated.

After this epic opener tracks may well be slightly more digestible length wise but still have plenty about them for the listener to truly immerse themselves in. The ever-versatile vocalist metamorphosises on ‘Chrysalis’ to add some rich baritone to proceedings as guitars weep behind him. Some mysterious keyboard sound, almost proggy in construct flutters into huge billowing glory as the transformation gradually takes effect with a sense of wonderment about it, this is no moth but a gloriously coloured butterfly coasting off and taking us on a flight with it as wings are spread. After every up there has to follow a down and ‘Hikikomori’ socially withdraws into itself with guttural growls and a navel-gazing instrumental section to ponder and lose yourself in its heartfelt, beautiful grief. ‘The Cage’ is unlocked via a piano sonata, spoken word and a luxurious slowly emerging melody reaching grandiose harmony in every respect. A strange sound begins to emerge and flirt with it all courtesy of Jon Liedtke (Inter Arma) who indulges us with the otherworldly sound of the Theremin; somehow it all works and holds together.

The second half of the album is equally indulgent comprising of the three part ‘Ascension’ itself. With a melody that is reminiscent of November’s Doom and including the bewitching presence of Aeonian Sorrow, Luna Obscura vocalist Gogo Melone, the third guest is another great subtle addition, not overstaying welcome but completely enriching the first part ‘Cosmic River,’ before it drives into the album’s biggest deathly flourish which is nothing short of stunning (she also provides the  striking album artwork). There’s obviously two more pieces to blissfully indulge yourself in here but we are close to moving into superlative overload and it is well worth discovering the rest for yourself.

In short, Ascension is a confident and mature opening debut statement from a band who have come seemingly out of nowhere and really gripped my attention. The given mark can only reflect this and if there is any justice, others will discover Ghostheart Nebula propelling them to even greater heights in the future.

(8.5/10 Pete Woods)

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https://ghostheartnebulablacklion.bandcamp.com/album/ascension