Finnish gothic death doom metal band Swallow the Sun released their latest album, “Shining,” in October 2024. The death and doom elements are less prevalent than “Moonflowers”, though still show up at opportune times. There is tons of atmosphere and dynamic contrast as with previous releases, and Kotamäki’s gothic croon is as good as ever, at times with a pop sensibility, making the choruses very singable. The guitar leads are more prevalent and carry a lot of the melodies, along with heavy use of piano in several songs. This is an evolution for the band, but it grows on me the more I listen to it.

“Innocence Was Long Forgotten” kicks things off in triumphant gothic fashion, with a big chorus and great melodies. “What I Have Become” starts out with hefty death doom before slowing down as they are so good at doing, with killer melodies and a memorable chorus. Dueling piano and guitar starts and drives “MelancHoly,” a song full of atmosphere and dynamic contrast with another great chorus. “Under the Moon & Sun” is an epic gothic piece with myriad layers, including a great piano section, a killer guitar solo, and some extreme vocals against a lighter backdrop late, all with a heavy dose of Kotamäki’s gothic croon. “Kold” serves up hefty death doom without forgetting its goth wiring, with big guitars and drums along with a great beauty and beast vocal dynamic. “November Dust” starts with melancholy piano and an atmospheric guitar lead before settling into a dynamic moody gothic piece. “Velvet Chains” is unique in being a piano-driven song and works well as the token ballad. “Charcoal Sky” hits you with a blackened doom groove, slows down into some atmospheric goth melodies, and then hits hard again before a melodic finish. Epic closer “Shining” is full of atmosphere and melody. It starts with an extended killer guitar lead, settles into an evocative section with strings, and builds to a killer chorus with brutal growls, a great guitar melody, and crisp cleans. I love the big harmonized guitar solo and soft choir-like section immediately after, as the song builds to its conclusion.

A slow burner that I am excited to hear live!

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