Sundrowned – Become Ethereal
Band: Sundrowned
Title: Become Ethereal
Label: Fysisk Format (Vinyl)
Release Date: 18 June 2021
Country: Norway
Format Reviewed: High-quality digital recording
Norway. Known as the cradle of raw Black Metal, the origin of the “True Norwegian Black Metal“, but Norway has way larger music variety than this.
Sundrowned, which released their debut album “Become Ethereal” on the 18th of June, is based in Haugesund, Norway.
The post-metal band around of J.A. Piscopo describes them as follows:
“Sundrowned offers a deep dive into the atmospheric, experimental metal with a huge soundscape and emotionally charged vocals.”
And I can’t say it loud enough: They are right.
“Babel” is calm and orchestral intro, carried by the Cello of Anders Sørvik (also on Ethereal and Ruins), slowly blending with the guitar melody and the vocals, building up a wholesome musical construct. Combined with great basslines and mid-tempo beats this song creates a vortex of atmosphere.
“A Scent of Glimmer” introduces directly from the start the mesmerizing vocals, surrounded by an aura of sounds from bass, guitar, and keyboard.
The drum intro on “Ethereal” gives a counterpoint to the following soft and calm harmony, framed by the amazing tones of Cello and voice, while the guitars forming a sphere of atmospheric Post Metal.
“La Tristesse Durera Toujours”, the sadness will last forever, transports with its harsh, yet emotional vocals an immense feeling of despair and melancholy.
Emilie Østebøs wonderful vocal performance on “The Eternal” is a surprising addition to this peaceful interlude.
As the complete opposite to the previous song, “Ruins” kicks in from the beginning with the merge of blackened guitar riffs, bass lines, and driving, excellent drum beats, forming a powerful Blackgaze influenced mood which evolves over time to a flood of emotions.
“Monarch” embraces with the mixture of melodies alternating with calmer parts, setting up an atmosphere that leaves the listener with an echo of deep dreariness.
The last song “O Dom Da Fé” closes the album with an almost painfully beautiful, ethereal soundscape.
“Become Ethereal” is a beautiful, melancholic, yet atmospheric and driving piece of musical art. In every song, you can feel the heart blood and passion. And this is what transforms music into emotion.
I am happy that I discovered them and I am curious how they will evolve over time. Hopefully, we can hear more of this band in the future. 8/10 Ylva
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8/10 To greatness and glory!
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