Cult of Luna surprised quite a few people when they announced they were teaming up with singer Julie Christmas for a new album. Mariner will be released on April 8th, and yesterday, the band released the first song from the album, “A Greater Call.” Atmospheric for the first 3 1/2 minutes or so, distortion doesn’t come in until then, and it’s tempered by Christmas’ vocals. She’s used sparingly, mostly coming in on choruses, and proving a nice. melodic counterpart to the heavier vocals. The eight minute-plus song is a nice introduction to April’s album, and instantly makes us want to hear more.

Mariner will be released on April 8th on Indie Recordings. The band will be playing some European dates starting on April 9th. You can see those dates here.

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