Swallow the Sun is one of those bands that has created a notable amount of music over the years while remaining true to their own unique sound. They have managed to consistently innovate their thoughtful voice while maintaining their originality. For over twenty years, this Finnish act has been a wheel and stern to the Doom Metal genre. They have steered their ship into the darker depths of this vast category and beyond. It has only been two years since we were given their last album, When a Shadow is Forced into the Light (Century Media Records), yet the founder and writer for the band, Juha Raivio still has a lot to say. The group’s eighth full-length record, Moonflowers (Century Media Records) is coming out to expose their deeper levels of heartache and affliction. 

The album begins with an enticingly eerie opening on the number ‘Moonflowers Bloom in Misery’ which is haunting and atmospheric. Mikko Kotamäki’s vocals are instantly distinguished as he cuts through clearly and strikes the listener with the gravity of foreboding. With his whimpering and his growls, he reflects the roller coaster of emotions we all face in life. The ebb and flow of this act is like impassioned waves hitting a rocky shore.  The movement in each piece reveals the versatility and musicianship of these Doom and Gothic Metal legends. The classical elements provided by the Finnish band Trio NOX, add to the emotional depth and agony conveyed.. The strings swell and saturate by providing an element of Epic Metal. The sway and momentum carried in the melodies on ‘Enemy’ dig deep into the senses which doesn’t let go. The minor keys and down tuning all convey a menace and melancholy with unblinking doom. There is so much sorrow to soak up from the heart wrenching pleas strummed through the guitar work of Raivio and Juho Räihä. Each member masterfully projects the delicate balance of their heaviness with a sincere sensitivity of uncomfortable emotions. The quintet knows how to capture a steely sound while still managing to add accessible passion.

Halfway through the record, the aggressive ditty, ‘Keep Your Heart Safe from Me’ shows off the band’s Death Metal side. Each song is well over five minutes which allows them to fully explore the message of morose. The bass and drum work expertly thuds to fill each tune with dynamic weightiness. The stout and graceful melodies on the next two pieces reveal the brilliant diversity and substance of this act. The guest vocals of Cammie Gilbert from Oceans of Slumber gifts the number ‘All Hallows’ Grave’ with  a soft, yet stern sorrow. The last huzzah, ‘This House Has No Name’ ends the album on a grimly fierce and vibrantly harsh note. Kotamäki discharges his screams that sear the soul with lyrics about misery, fire, and brokenness. The Black Metal edge provided hints at their earlier full-lengths like New Moon (Spinefarm Records) and Hope (Spinefarm Records). Some of the album formats will come with a full bonus CD of instrumental versions of every number. Each has an animated video paired with them created by Dronicon Film, which provides a spectacular visual along the sullen sounds of the songs. Another distinct and dazzling dismall release from these Doom experts.

Buy the album here: https://centurymedia.store/search/?storeId=4987&includeArtistSearch=false&searchTerm=swallow+the+sun

7 / 10

 RAGIN ROSIE