Alchemy is defined as a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination. Secular Era fits that very definition with the release of their latest album, Under The New Moon.

Under The New Moon kicks of with “The Art of Alchemy” and instantly grabs your attention with its blending of electronic elements with a punk/post-hardcore twinge. It is a solid opener and the electronic elements give it a depth that when paired with vocalist Mike Sullivan’s soaring vocals and the adjoining instrumentation create an atmosphere that stands out. “New Moon” follows and carries more of the post punk vibe with a haunting synth riff that stands out in the already lush sound on the track. “In The Night” carries a similar vibe, but at a bit of a slower pace (accompanied by a werewolf howl and an ethereal synth outro).

“Ode To Ashes” (which was initially released as a single a year ago) is a more mellow track that skirts the line of being a full on ballad without succumbing to the run of the mill expectations of that sort of track. Lyrically, it hits the majority of the ballad markers, but instrumentally is where it breaks away from the norm. “Judith” kicks in with a soaring guitar riff that sets the pace. Instrumentally speaking, it brings to mind underrated core band Still Remains. “Bloodsong” follows as a sort of an interlude and the melody is reminiscent of “The Art of Alchemy” with a robotically distorted voice.

“Sunspots” brings in the final act of the album and feels like the “safest” track on the album as it almost feels too “by the book” in some ways. However, it does have a nice guitar solo just before the 3 minute mark and brings back some of the electronic elements seen more prominently at the beginning of the album. “Inside Our Hearts” has more of the post-punk vibe and feels like it would be a track that really comes to life in a live setting. “Evil Eyes” closes out the album but seems a little out of place as the closer. While it may work as a set closer played live it just doesn’t carry over the same way on the album.

Under The New Moon is a good album, but it is not without some minor flaws. While each track stands well on an individual level the overall album feels like it is lacking in cohesiveness. The track placement feels a bit too haphazard which can cause some of the tracks to seem less than effective on their overall delivery.

Under The New Moon is available now on all major digital and streaming platforms or you can purchase direct from the band via their Bandcamp page.

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