There are some insanely creative musicians in the burgeoning underground metal scene and it’s a pleasure to see Schwadorf of Empyrium, The Vision Bleak and Noekk join forces with Helrunar’s co-founder S.K. to craft the bewitching self-titled split album Sun Of The Sleepless / Cavernous Gate. 

“The Lure Of The Nyght” evokes an irresistible darkness as minimalist arpeggios introduce a blackened sonic realm filled with desolation and bleak emotions fully expressed by the fast diabolical rhythmic crescendo and ominous growls naturally entwined with the poetic slower acoustic melodies. 

Impeccable acoustic phrases emphasize the immersive nature of “To The Moon On Summer Eves” which also delivers an arcane blackened momentum through unrestrained guitar riffs while the melancholy infused melodic tapestries and the theatrical clean vocals inevitably lead to a compelling gloomy grandeur. 

The last track by Sun Of The Sleepless is “Kristall” which focuses on an enticing atmospheric beauty with minimalist acoustic melodies and soft vocals creating a darkly romantic mood. 

“Those Who Walk The Fog” definitely showcases the essential role of darkened essence in the new project Cavernous Gate as vicious growls march through the dense doom tinged guitar riffs and the consequent impetuous heavy rhythmic patterns yet there are many melodic moments featuring exquisite melancholic tonalities. 

With eloquent mournful vibes “Amongst Decayed Grass” relies on mighty guitar riffs executed in true funeral doom fashion and surrounded by aptly lugubrious atmospheric arrangements while the theatrical clean vocal delivery enhances the inner spiritual torment. 

“A Pale Shimmer In The Dark” opens the gate to the darkest sonic realm offering mysterious atmospheric textures and extremely sinister rhythmic progressions accompanied by arcane chants and enriched by brooding melodic guitars. 

Sun Of The Sleepless / Cavernous Gate split album could not sound darker or more poetic in fact the stylish music generated by this unique collaboration will fatally attract all black metal & doom acolytes and hopefully Schwadorf and S.K. will team up again in the future. 

British metallers Fen consistently follow a fascinating sonic evolution that reaches the acme on the sixth full length “The Dead Light” which shines for the detailed composition highlighting a mesmerizing post-black metal essence. 

Under a shroud of frost “Witness” is a true symbol of melancholia as fragile guitar melodies create a gorgeous evocative soundscape that will certainly move the listeners and will ultimately embrace a cold blackened crescendo without sacrificing the poignant atmospheric spirit. 

“The Dead Light (Part 1)” amplifies a heavier blackened approach with loads of inflamed guitar riffs and the consequent faster menacing rhythmic patterns that hold a crucial role even if the luminous nostalgic melodies will often emerge to convey profound emotions. 

Channeling an irresistible dreamy post-black metal force “Nebula” offers a memorable blend of delicate melodic waves and fierce heavy rhythmic dynamics while the vocal performance also expresses such contrasting feelings shifting from warm cleans to ravenous growls. 

The misty daydream continues on “Labyrinthine Echoes” which offers cold poetic atmospheres and appealing contemplative melodies while the impeccable rhythmic section will generate cohesive unrestrained grooves fueled by a palpable primal black metal inspiration. 

Within a captivating atmospheric realm “Exsanguination” features another eloquent melodic grandeur with a calmer introspective vocal delivery surrounded by cathartic guitar harmonies gradually acquiring darker tonalities to build a soulful yet more aggressive rhythmic crescendo. 

Throughout “The Dead Light” Fen are constantly evoking pure melancholia in the midst of gelid crushing blackened dynamics naturally entwined with heartfelt melodic tapestries so there are plenty of reasons to instantly fall in love with such darkly alluring release. 

The time has come for emerging French band Pencey Sloe to unveil the rich dreamgaze tapestries of the debut album “Don’t Believe, Watch Out” which is destined to make you space out since the very first listening. 

Listening to “Lust Of The Dead” you will immediately start to daydream as the soothing guitar harmonies evoke absolute tranquility but also a darkened emotional palette further emphasized by the exquisite melancholic vocal delivery and the hazy rhythmic crescendo. 

On “Buried Them All” we’re still dreaming the same dream as vocals feel like a lullaby while the slow burning guitars craft immersive melodic progressions and darkly comforting rhythmic segments. 

“All Ok” focuses on contemplative atmospheric waves that take you far away and the mellow guitar tonalities hold a distinct shoegaze essence leading to an overwhelming nostalgia while the catchy chorus naturally channels uplifting vibes. 

The title track is filled with blossoming guitar melodies that flow gently like a distant fond memory and the rhythmic section actively contributes to the creation of gently darkened nuances lingering through the subtle atmospheric ensemble. 

“Sins” can sound even darker with electrifying guitar tonalities yet the main calm melodic soul always prevails through the immense melancholy infused melodies and the enchanting vocal performance. 

A dense almost enigmatic atmosphere surrounds “Empty Mind” which constantly expresses an intense wistfulness through the fragile beauty of the graceful vocals accompanied by spacey guitar driven grooves. 

The future of Pencey Sloe already looks bright because the moody ethereal soundscapes  flourishing throughout “Don’t Believe, Watch Out” are destined to conquer your heart.