The Thirteenth Sun is a Romanian band that was born in 2011 when Radu Barna (vocalist and lead guitarist) together with Marius Muntean (keyboards) started writing the first songs. They released their first EP entitled “Genesis” in late 2012.
In 2016 the band started recording their debut album named “Stardust” in Consonance Studio (Timisoara). The producer of the record is Edmond Karban (Dordeduh / Negura Bunget) who featured also as guest vocals on the album and the mastering was done by Martin Zeller. The fine artwork was designed by Costin Chioreanu (Ulver, Arcturus, Enslaved, Arch Enemy). The debut album “Stardust” was officially released on the 12th of May 2017 via Italian label Aural Music. The cosmic journey consists of 7 tracks: Universus, Pathways, Planes Of Creation, Universe Is Burning, Melting Skies, The Fabric Of Time, Glowing Sun and has a total time of just a bit under 50 Minutes.
The record was released as a normal Jewel Box CD and Gatefold Double LP colored vinyl in translucent aquamarine having 4 bonus tracks (coming from the “Genesis” EP) and limited to 488 copies worldwide.
The debut material was very well received by the media; personally I have read many opinions and have seen as main influences bands such as: Arcturus, Enslaved, Ulver, old Opeth, Katatonia, Primordial or Devin Townsend. I personally find this release a combination of “Arcturian” cosmic elements with old Opeth flavor; everything transposed in a Ulver-ish matter and played in Devin Townsend’s progressive theatrical style.
This Romanian group successfully managed to create one unique record, combining many musical styles in a very original matter showing that they can be very creative and experienced musicians. Even from the first audition of the album you can tell that the band aims to come out with a high professional material. The band would rather take the long way to perfection instead of making any compromise and now it’s finally out. For a Romanian band; The Thirteenth Sun like Dordeduh also, prefers to work their sound to the precise level and to find the perfect shape, then to disappoint their fans. Favorite tracks: The Fabric Of Time, Planes Of Creation and Universe Is Burning.
It seems that 2017 was until now a good year for the metal scene and I am very pleased that The Thirteenth Sun managed to release their debut album. I sincerely recommend if you have the occasion to see this wonderful band live and to listen to their last release “Stardust”.
Here you can read the official statement about “Stardust” taken from Aural Music website.
“Universus” is the first track from the debut album .
Video & Artwork by Costin Chioreanu.

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- LYRICS9
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