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SĂșl ad Astral

 

Biography

Country of origin:
New Zealand
Location:
Dunedin, Otago (early); New Zealand / United States (later)
Status:
Active
Formed in:
2011
Genre:
Post-Black Metal
Themes:
Betrayal, Humanism
Current label:
Flowing Downward
Years active:
2011-present
The band was founded in New Zealand as the solist project of Stephen Fortune, later Michael Rumple joined the band.

 

Compilation appearance(s):
- "Amaurosis" on Pest Productions 2006-2016 (Hate And Elegy For 10 Years) DVD (Pest Productions, 2016)

SĂșl ad Astral began in 2011 as the solitary project of New Zealand musician Stephen Fortune, who shaped the early sound through a blend of post‑black metal, atmospheric melancholy, and introspective emotional weight. Working initially from Dunedin, he crafted music built on shimmering tremolo layers, drifting ambience, and a strong melodic core, exploring themes of betrayal, humanism, and the fragile tensions within personal experience. The project expanded in 2012 when Michael Rumple joined as vocalist and keyboardist, bringing a more expressive, soaring dimension to the band’s sound and helping establish the duo as the stable creative force behind all subsequent releases.

The self‑titled debut full‑length SĂșl ad Astral (2012) introduced their characteristic mixture of brightness and sorrow, followed by the split The Observant Darkness – The Darkness Observant (2013) and the more expansive sophomore album Afterglow (2014), which deepened their atmospheric approach and broadened their emotional palette. After a period of geographic transition—working between New Zealand and the United States—the band returned with Oasis (2018), a more refined and immersive release that solidified their place within the international post‑black metal scene. Their later EP Heritage (2021) continued this evolution, balancing luminous melody with introspective heaviness.

Throughout the project’s history, Fortune has handled guitars, bass, drum programming, and keyboards, drawing on his work in Ayamvoid, Methchrist, and Mistchaser. Rumple contributes vocals and additional keyboards, informed by his experience in Desiderium, Forestfather, Skyforest, and other atmospheric projects. Together they maintain a sound that is emotionally direct yet sonically expansive, rooted in post‑black metal but shaped by ambient and melodic sensibilities.

SĂșl ad Astral remains active under the Flowing Downward label, continuing to develop their distinct blend of radiant melancholy and post‑black intensity while operating across both New Zealand and the United States.

Members

Stephen Fortune Guitars, Bass, Drum programming, Keyboards (2011-present)
See also: Ayamvoid, Methchrist, Mistchaser, ex-Abstract Survival, ex-Waystone
Michael Rumple Vocals, Keyboards (2012-present)
See also: Desiderium, Forestfather, Skyforest, ex-Acrasia, ex-Corona Mortis, ex-Omnichromatic, ex-Polydrafter, Ashen Idol, Flood District, ex-Aloeswood (live), ex-Lorelei

Discography