PANOPTICON – The Rime of Memory

Is it possible we’re discussing American black metal again? The genre’s evolution across the Atlantic has been striking. Today, U.S. black metal is instantly recognizable, especially when bands like Panopticon add even more unique elements to an already original sound.

 

The project centers on Austin Lunn, a Tennessee musician who moved to Kentucky and then Minnesota. There, he explored local history, traditions, and legends through music. Immersing himself in the spiritual bond between man and nature wasn’t enough—the sound had to be even more unique, much like Wayfarer’s take on Colorado, but further refined. This approach yielded a distinctive style blending black, folk, and bluegrass, layered with political, historical, and social themes. The results were remarkable. Kentucky (2012), Roads To The North (2014), and Autumn Eternal (2015) best showcase Panopticon’s personal sound. These works mark Lunn as one of the U.S.’s most inventive musicians. Now, two years after …And Again Into The Light, The Rime Of Memory presents Lunn in full maturity.

 

Five long, intense tracks begin with the instrumental I Erindringens Høstlige Dysterhet, pulling the listener into a deep, melancholic mood. These two moving minutes lead straight into the album’s centerpiece: Winter’s Ghost. Over 20 minutes, the track showcases all of Panopticon’s sounds—black-metal rhythms, ambient-rock interludes, and bursts of emotional intensity. The violin near the end enriches the introspective mood. Another powerhouse follows. Cedar Skeleton darkens with melancholic solos, searing screams, voiceovers, cinematic synths, and a final choral arrangement for maximum impact. This unique mix is striking and unforgettable.

An Autumn Storm, at nine minutes, is the shortest track and maintains its mood throughout. In the closing section, blast beats pause for a harmonica—a pleasant surprise. Enduring the Snow Drought is another major piece, keeping the album’s momentum. The 15-minute closer, The Blue Against The White, starts with a mournful choir, then bursts into intense passages that captivate to the end.

 

After an hour of listening, we emerge exhausted but satisfied. The runtime is long but flows smoothly and stays engaging. The album is packed with emotion and unique sophistication, just as Lunn has delivered in his career. Panopticon rarely disappoints. The Rime Of Memory not only meets, but surpasses expectations, and belongs among the year’s best black metal albums.