It can be quite a tricky thing to navigate any particular sound when it becomes oversaturated with names that are simply not up to the task of tapping into the potential of whatever the given style is. All too easy it is to find yourself stuck for one reason or another, but if you’re able to climb out of such a pitfall and take control of your trajectory to really make a performance that stands out practically right from the beginning, then you have elevated yourself certifiably far above much of the competition. It’s been five years since Sunken’s last outing, but it is in that time the musicians behind it have been anything but stagnant. Taking their time between their other acts, it’s in damn near every minute of their upcoming record that Sunken displays a grand understanding of the overcrowded sound of atmospheric black metal to tremendous effect.

When we’re dealing with a sound like atmospheric black metal that’s almost always a contrasting sound that has loads of its own moments of push and pull, it is vitally important that you understand that contrast to a high degree. Oftentimes, it’s something that serves as a real trip-up for many bands of the sound as they find themselves laser-focusing on one side of the coin that the style offers rather than both. Only the finest are able to truly explore the potential of both and put it all together in such a package that is compelling and worthwhile. To look upon any of the four expansive tracks of “Lykke” is to realize that Sunken has accomplished this to staggering lengths! Consisting of four cascading tracks that have so much to call their own, three of which go far beyond ten minutes in length, the vast breadth of “Lykke” is something to be admired alongside the sheer mastery that Sunken offers in order to bring it all to life. Deep, wandering tapestries of atmosphere that are simply majestic to behold juxtaposed by scathing black metal that is born out of rage and frustration the likes of which can only come from the most primal reaches of the soul, Sunken pulled from on deep within itself to bring this powerful performance to life in all of its multi-dimensional splendor with the realities of these four tracks nothing to ignore.

It’s always been a difficult thing for any atmospheric black metal act to deliver both in heaping quantities that feels satisfying, but what Sunken has pulled off throughout “Lykke” is the definition of exceptional. From the very beginning, Sunken makes its presence known with its magic evident all the way unto the end. “Lykke” has so much to explore – you simply need to enter its enchanted thicket, mind your step, and follow the light deeper within.

“Lykke” releases on October 24th via Eisenwald!

LISTEN to an advnaced track from “Lykke” on Bandcamp here, or via YouTube below.

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