It doesn’t take long at all to realize that A Swarm Of The Sun have a knack (and an ear) for the sprawling cinematic nature that absolutely thrives especially in the post-Metal landscape.

A Swarm of the Sun Credit: Jakob Berglund and Johan Söderling

An Empire (Pelagic Records) is an aptly named opus, the fourth of the duo’s discography. It’s an absolute juggernaut, and not one for people who are looking to get in and out in a timely manner. The compositions are delicately placed and crafted as if it were a final collegiate thesis.

The first remarkable element is the sheer fragile nature in which the vocals are presented. It’s as if they could be performed alongside a sleeping toddler, and they’d be completely oblivious to it. They feel candid and accidental, and that’s meant as a positive. They’re hesitant and routinely proceed with caution.

And there’s nothing accidental or glossed over when it comes to the structure and the narrative that is so heavily accentuated throughout. The minimalist nature that A Swarm Of The Sun takes while also being able to underline something is looming is awe-inspiring. There’s a seamless transition between tracks, and simple tonal shifts turn what was once mesmeric, mystical and adventurous into something foreboding and chilling (“Heathen”).

There are dashing crescendos that give the music a heavier, grittier, firmer feel. “The Pyre” in particular tells of something monumental or imposing, and the drums conjure the image of a march or a procession. When it builds into an epically cinematic climax, it’s clear that someone either succumbed to their fiery end, or they are damn sure about to.

The title track once more builds a scene with few tools needed (though there is a delicate piano which leads the way). On this track specifically, audio feedback plays the role of a danger or a threat.

An Empire is a truly stunning piece of work, though that adjective can be (and often is) overused. What A Swarm Of The Sun has done here is penned a soundtrack for a video game or a movie, but did so with only two people, and they didn’t rely on synths or sound samples to etch out the majority of the work.

The aftermath is a record that probably shouldn’t be listened to half-assedly. It’s feast or famine, all or nothing. Luckily, there isn’t a moment that underdelivers or becomes distractingly bland. Even the empty space and subtle noise works to further build the epic that is An Empire.

Buy the album here:
https://orcd.co/asots

9 / 10
MATT COOK