In the international realm of Doom Metal, few have been as consistent over the last twenty years as Finland’s Swallow the Sun. Founded in 2000 by Lead Guitarist/Lyricist Juha Raivio, the band has not only averaged an album every two years since, but each of them has been extraordinarily interesting. Diving deep into the abyss of dark, melodic, and exceptionally atmospheric music, from 2003’s The Morning Never Came through to 2015’s epic triple album Songs from the North I, II & III, charged forth toward 2021’s Moonflowers, there has seized to be a lull in quality.
Impressive to see in any genre, but especially in Doom Metal where things can often become mundane, Swallow the Sun has successfully separated themselves from the crowd. Perhaps it is because of their ability to explore, yet not completely abandon their roots. It could also be as simple as thoughtful songwriting, but whatever the case, here we are in 2024 finding yet a new wrinkle in the saga that is Swallow the Sun. Nearly three years removed from the ever-so-impressive Moonflowers, on October 18, 2024 the band stepped out from the shadows to release Shining.
Their fourth consecutive album through Century Media, and ninth overall, Shining takes the mood in a completely different direction. With Raivio remaining the lead songwriter, joining him is long-time Vocalist Mikko Kotamäki, Bassist Matti Honkonen, Juuso Raatikainen on drums, and Juho Räihä on guitar. A formidable lineup, while Raatikainen was annotated a full-time member in 2014 Before the Dawn’s Räihä rapidly made his presence known in 2018. With these pieces of the puzzle in place, Raivio took a slightly different approach to Shining with the song structures and the emotions they project. Yes, the album is immersed in Doom Metal darkness, but new elements are more pronounced than ever before.
With a multitude of factors playing a part in the direction, it should be noted that Raivio sustained a mass of heartache over the last decade. Losing the love of his life Aleah Liane Stanbridge in 2016 to cancer, Raivio has channeled his grief into music; and you can feel that heavily on both 2019’s When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light, along with Moonflowers. Weighing on the soul and spirit of Raivio, he acknowledged changes need to be made… other he may forever sink into a bottomless lake of sorrow. Realized explicitly in Shining’s early singles such as “Innocence Was Long Forgotten” and “What I Have Become,” the honest look in the mirror of “MelancHoly” is what enlightens you most. Also a single, “MelancHoly” is led by the clean vocals of Kotamäki and penetrates a message that while we may find comfort in the darkness, it sometimes can become an addiction we feed rather than control.
Very thought-provoking, Shining is a total of ten songs providing a glimpse into the depths of misery while navigating you through it with plenty of intricate melodies and tormented vocals. Is it different than what Swallow the Sun has done in the past? Most certainly, but this does not mean any bit of edge has been lost. The music is as drenched in signature Swallow the Sun tones as ever, however, there is a different feel because the band opted to bring on Dan Lancaster to handle the production and mixing. Lancaster, known for working with everyone from Muse to Bring the Horizon, certainly brings Swallow the Sun in a more contemporary direction, although this is no reason to develop preconceptions.
In truth, Shining is a haunting, powerful collection of songs that keeps you enthralled. Beyond the discussed singles, “Under The Moon & Sun” is a dream-like trip, “November Dust” is Gothic Metal at its finest, and the closing title-track bursts dreary intensity with each twist. So, while there may be fickle fans wanting more of the same, there are those who commended Swallow the Sun for trying something new. Sounding like a tremendous weight has been lifted, head into Shining with an open mind, because Cryptic Rock gives it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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