An Abstract Illuison : "The Sleep City"

This Swedish band's 3rd album finds them putting synths at the forefront of their Black Metal bombast. This is done with an intent to push some of the 80s synthwave sounds to capitalize on a trend that might have already seen its day, though they are melodic at heart with the snarled vocals broken up by a sung chorus. This falls on the more progressive side of the genre, reminding me of Enslaved's more melodic moments. Though I am impressed, the vocals grow increasingly anguished by the end of this 11-minute opening track. 

"No Dreams Beyond Empty Horizons" has some impressive guitar work on it. If you are into guitar solos, you need to check it out. The vocals feel more like texture, and the emphasis is on the guitar wizardry.  "Like a Geyser Ever Erupting" is a title that forces the music to carry a great deal of bombast to live up to it. It was certainly not going to be a ballad. It has a more death metal feel due to the technical aggression. This is broken up by choir-like layers of clean singing. These are long songs that are not casual listening but an investment in time. 

"Frost Flower" is a wildly melodic departure from the previous songs. The drums give everything a great deal of space, creating more of a Porcupine Tree feel. The bass player digs in on this one before the growled vocals return. Despite this not being as dark or heavy as what I normally listen to, there is no denying how skilled these guys are at what they do. "Silverfields"  is an ambient instrumental that works of the 80s synth wave throb. "Emmett" is a sprawling 11-minute epic. The first minute and a half of build-up. The double bass steers it in a more death metal direction. There are a lot of layers going on as things unfold. A more blasty section does follow this, and the transitions are not jarring, making it easier for them to blur genre lines. More highly skilled solos are unleashed the deeper into the song you go. 

The last song sounds like a filler Opeth song, though with different choices in terms of production and where the synths sit in the mix. I will give this album an 8.5, as they are highly skilled musicians in order to pull off some of these compositions. Not something I personally am going to derive a great deal of airplay from, but for people who are into more progressive death metal with black metal touches at times, then this will be worth your time. This is scheduled for release by Willowtip Records on October 17th. 

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