Finnish band As the Sun Falls has been around for a few years and released a 4-song EP earlier this year in May called “Pohjoisen Sydän.” This is atmospheric, melancholic, and crushing melodic death metal, icy and cold in the Finnish tradition. All lyrics are in Finnish, so I needed some help diving in, but this feels like a celebration of their homeland traditions and a memorial in respects to a growing disconnect (or at least how I interpret). The music is epic, magnanimous melodies fueled by powerful riffs, pulverizing drums, brutal vocals, and an ethereal presence that brings each song to life. 

“Kuolematon Aurinko” has an older Amorphis-like intro, melodic and heavy with plenty of atmosphere. It is fast paced and growly with great guitar leads and riffs, but delivers a beautiful somber melodic section with cleans late before a massive finish. “Talvi” wastes no time going into overdrive, with blackish tremolo magic and blastbeats trading off with hefty riffs and galloping drums, incorporating plenty of melody amidst its nearly nonstop breakneck pace. “Luonto Ja Sydän” is an epic 13 minute progressive melodeath masterpiece, dovetailing rich melodic somber sections with furious blastbeats and power riffing, an ethereal nimbus connecting each section into quite the extreme metal journey. The keys are used to excellent effect, the drums are a driving force, and the inclusion of chant-like cleans add extra richness and a folksy vibe. This is a song to get lost in, whether you are being pummeled or mesmerized by the melodies. Closer “Memorium (Suomi Version)” is a reinterpretation of their 2020 single, with “Suomi” meaning “Finland” and describing the nature connection the country is known for, perfectly aligning with this EP’s theme. The song is bigger and more atmospheric than the original, with lots of hefty melodies, killer guitar leads, and careening velocity.

This is my first entry into the world of As the Sun Falls, but I am already diving into earlier material and have fallen in love. This EP is a delicious appetizer as we wait for their full length follow-up to their fabulous 2024 release “Kaamos.”

Original Instagram review