Year: 2021
Total Time: 52:40
Label: Century Media

SWALLOW THE SUN is a death/doom metal band from Jyväskylä, Finland. “Moonflowers” is the eighth full release of the band, which has a twenty-year (and more) course and this proves that they prefer quality over quantity, a fact that is also evident from the band’s refined approach to songwriting. These genius Finns create some of the most widespread and heartfelt compositions of the genre by combining equal parts of emotion with very well-executed instrumentals.

Those who liked the band’s previous work will surely be happy with their latest release, since their distinctive sound is here, along with some fresh ideas, showing the band’s desire to continue evolving.

Two years have passed since the acclaimed release “When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light”, following the unpremature, untimely demise of “Trees of Eternity” singer Aleah Stanbridge, who was also the partner of founder, composer and guitarist, Juha Raivio (Swallow the Sun).

The whole sad atmosphere surrounds the new album, which came under the same umbrella of inspiration of the aforementioned tragic event. We would say that it is a continuation, a deeper understanding of this situation. However, there are subtle differences in mood and style, which ensures that “Moonflowers” tells its own story of pain and sadness and doesn’t just replicate what was already said from the previous album.

On “Moonflowers Bloom in Misery”, the first song of the new album, notes dance to small advances of chords that simply diffuse anguish and loss. Emotion overwhelms every point and note of the piece, and the listener juggles between calmness, melancholy, aggressive riffs and deep growls. Amazing work by Mikko Kotamäki on vocals. This song is an awesome start and personally my favorite of the whole album. Sticky chorus that fills you mentally. Coming next, the song “Enemy”, which continues in the same vein, but in a reversal with the first. Beats loudly with anger and rage from the beginning even throughout the verse, as Juha’s lyrics tell how he withdrew from light to darkness in his soul. In “Keep Your Heart Safe from Me” the band experiments with more complex, long-form compositions, alternating acoustic parts with heavier parts.

Next up is “All Hallows’ Grieve” featuring “Oceans Of Slumber” singer Cammie Gilbert, who is in full harmony with the core of SWALLOW THE SUN. Amazing doom metal duets. “The Void” continues with riffs intertwined with dark, melancholic melodies, while generally balancing a constant contrast of heavier parts with simpler cleaner parts. During “The Fight of Your Life” the same logic of “Keep Your Heart Safe from Me” continues, alternating acoustic with heavier parts. This particular track was less popular, since I felt that it was too long and a bit tiring compared to the rest of the album. Something that was documented in me more by listening to the last piece.  So the curtain falls with “This House Has No Home” closing the one that began with the first of the eight tracks, where the tension and the sudden transition between the different parts prevail. Finally, a notable component of the album is also the string arrangements played by Trio N O X, a Finnish group of classical musicians playing violin, viola and cello.

SWALLOW THE SUN are faithful to their art, knowing how to support it well. We as listeners penetrate the mental state of the creators. “Moonflowers” is a very good album, full of melody, creativity, and serious musical performances by all the members. But, does it surpass earlier albums from the band’s impressive career?

Rating: 8,5/10
Editor: Filomeni Riga
Related Link: SWALLOW THE SUN – Official Page