Suldusk-Anthesis. FFO: dark, emotive doomy folk and black metal glory!

 

Suldusk-Anthesis. 


We previously reviewed and utterly worshipped Emily's ( as it was more of a solo artist project then)album Lunar Falls and also had the pleasure of interviewing her; finding a passionate, grounded and articulate artist who had a very clear vision of her goals on that album; whilst at the same time declaring how much of a metalhead she is also!!. Much time has ticked by and Suldusk is very much a full band experience now, they have also signed to Napalm Records and dropped this atmospheric beast of a sophomore album. The overall tone and atmosphere is more deep, emotive and vigorous, even in the album's quieter moments. But regardless of all the grandiose superlatives you may use to describe this masterpiece, this album is gloriously stirring and so visceral. Take Crystalline, a touching track that is equally brooding and acidic with the perfect balance of doomy folk and black metal. Just when you think you have a track all worked out, Emily and crew release a soaring audio fireball at you. The title track does this in a similar, but completely different manner; like Oathbreaker and even Emma Ruth Rundle and Chelsea Wolfe-it is all about the spaces in between parts of a song, the atmosphere and mood are set up and carefully written for a purpose. This is the realm of a true artisan to me, and also rare as hell. Verdalet is totally a mix of raw black metal mixed with some sonic vocal flair underpinned by a subtle, but suffocating post-rock/metal in a fistfight with the atmospheric black metal demons, stunning accomplishment. I adore the more soft aspects to this album, as I did with the last album. Crowns of Esper, Mythical Creatures, Sphera and Leven are all dark folk brilliance with exceptional playing and part of the sheer spectacle that is this band-but the sound is fuller and seems to carry more weight; even with these quietish gems. There is a touch of prog metal across these tracks which I loved, all with strings and many layers. The album is one that requires multiple listens to let it soak in and more so on headphones. I guarantee each listen gives you extra tiers of remarkable audio pleasure. The final track of the album, is an absolute highlight of the release, A Luminous End. This is a scintillating track that initially reminds me of both shoegaze classic bands mixed with Siouxsie and the Banshees. Like every other track, Emily's unrivalled vocals dominate the track and the shift from relaxing, borderline folk/ambient into acerbic black metal-influenced post-metal really hammered in the final nails of how captivating this album is. It makes one breathless and stuck in its esoteric glory. Even with 2 minutes to go in this longer track, you never want this moment to end. 

Support Emily and the crew hard because this is one unique and solid band doing something different and the level of dedication shines through.

Out now:


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