This is a debut opus of international supergroup known as Høstsol. This band was formed in 2020 and after two singles and one split opus, here is the debut full length. Members of this band are well known in black metal scene and extreme music scene being Kalmos (bass – Ajattara, ex Barathrum, Woland), Rainer Tuomikanto (drums – ex Shining, Ajattara, Woland), Cernunnus (guitar – Manes) and none other than Niklas Kvarforth(vocals – Shining, Skitliv). I was eager to hear what this will sound like. There are five longer epics on this opus. The music is black metal, old school black metal of the nineties mixed with depressive black metal and add to that a bit of punky edge. What I love the most about this album is that old school black metal atmosphere and vibe that many bands nowadays lack a lot. Lyrics are in Swedish except for one song, so I don’t understand what is being sung about, but judging by the album title, they are about depression, inner self, demons, battle with life, hopelessness, darkness and similar themes. There are also many atmospheric dark ambient parts to start and end a song, making this opus more heavier with almost touchable darkness. One of my personal favorites is ‘Det som en gång var (det kommer aldrig igen)’ with almost punk conviction and rawness turning later in the song into epic keyboard orchestration backed pure black metal anthem. Kvarforth’s singing is tortured screaming but at the same time pronounced, so it is another plus for this international supergroup. There is also a bit of chanting and clean singing at the begin of awesome ‘Din skördetid är nu kommen’. So, if you are a fan of old school atmospheric black metal with touch of black irony and depression go get this one.

9/10