Prophetic or merely an observation on the state of the world? Well, regardless of your position, the latest album by the Finnish doom merchants Astral Sleep is certainly on point. Formed in 2004, and with two previous albums spanning over a decade between release, they are not a band to rush things.
Over 45 minutes of doom-soaked misery, Astral Sleep delve deep into the darkness, bringing together a range of styles that defies classification. We get sound clips, jazz, psychedelic noise, as well as crushing riffs and sombre, death growls that shake the very earth.
Its not easy listening. The complex title track which opens the album is over nine-minutes long, and shimmers in the coldness that is emitted. Intricate ages break over each other, as the song morphs and reforms through its journey. Using dissonant guitar tones, the band paint a dark image. The growls of Marcus Heinonen are tempered by his harrowed cleans, which provide a ghostly alternative.
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At times glacial in tempo, with elements of sludgy Nola vibes combining with the Scandinavian doom flavours, We Are Already Living at the End of Times deserves time. The gentle acoustics that start “Invisible Flesh” quickly make way for harrowing, demonic tones, pulverising heavy riffs fall as the band launches into another slow-paced piece. As the track ebbs and flows, the musicianship of the band comes to the fore, especially on the gentler, more introspective segments. Backing Heinonen’s deathly roars, Astral Sleep employ vocal harmonies that bring a different aspect to the band’s sound.
There’s no doubt that the Finns Astral Doom Musick isn’t for everyone. Doom isn’t for everyone, and this is a specific type of style that merges numerous styles. The ages of music can at times drag, such is the nature of the beast, but if you can work with that, and if the lengthy songs can retain your attention, then We Are Already Living at the End of Times can provide plenty to entertain. Whether Astral Sleep’s mission statement is to entertain is doubtful, but with songs like “The Legacies” that strongly resemble elements of Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride, they have enough in their locker to appeal to a broader audience than they currently attract.
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We Are Already Living at the End of Times is out on April 21st
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