It seems like there has been a trend for a number of bands to release something new after a very long wait. Two notables last year were Ancient Bards and Crimson Shadows, and then Coroner beat them all with their first new album in 32 years. Dutch death/doom metal band Sad Whisperings released their last full length in 1993, the same year as Coroner, and have now delivered their first full length album since then, “The Hermit,” in mid January. And here I thought a band wouldn’t beat Coroner’s gap between full length releases! I am not at all familiar with their original material and don’t know what led to their very long hiatus, but based on this new album, I am quite glad they are back!

Sad Whisperings did release a 4-song EP late last year, and one of those songs, “Strategy of Tension,” along with 7 brand new tracks, comprise this new album. The band serves up a hefty helping of melodic death doom full of atmosphere, keyboards encircling the devastating guitars and drums, while the intelligible growls punctuate the lyrics in intimidating fashion. The band blends in softer, delicate sections, melancholic madrigals acting as reprieves to the massive wall of sound that add an airy, almost ethereal feel. This allows the keyboards to shine and complement the fantastic guitar leads and riffing throughout. The song structures definitely have a doom scaffolding but the latitude to breathe in a variety of ways, layering in death, thrash, and gothic textures to create intriguing soundscapes that are full of energy amidst the emotive mournful melodies. These songs sound massive, heavy in both their instrumentation and themes, and the band shows that they have plenty to offer after such a long break.

Album opener “Heart of Darkness” opens in somber majesty, tickling your ears with gothic piano and delicate guitar melodies, layering in the emphatic lead roars before truly amping up. It enters a full gallop, blazing melodic death metal swirling with atmosphere, crushing riffs, and pulverizing drums. You get some nice variety in the rhythms, breaking from the more straightforward death riffing, a slick extended guitar solo that emphasizes deftness over speed, and some gothic flourishes. It starts the album nicely and gives a great taste of what you can expect over the course of these 8 songs.

“Strategy of Tension” has more of a thrash vibe with a blackened guitar line and keyboards enveloping you. The reuse of this track from their EP leads me to believe this is either a favorite of the band or one they feel is representative of their come back sound. Either way, it is a great song, exuding somber tension amidst the crushing blows. The guitar solo is phenomenal, complementing the ominous main melody so well. Speaking of ominous, this describes the instrumental bridge perfectly, with a sharp dynamic shift and interplay amongst the guitars and keyboards. This serves as a nice transition for the ending orchestral doom tromp.

“Shadow Work” uses dark shades to color its opening somber melody, menacing and moody, eventually transforming to a death doom cadence cloaked in atmosphere. You get some guitar lead driven sections, a rhythmic transition, and plenty of spooky textures that shape the foreboding feel. The ending utilizes a minor reprise of the intro melody before converging into a massive ending complete with symphonic flourishes. 

“Forever War” has progressive underpinnings woven into the mid-paced death doom approach, crafting one of my personal favorites on the album. The band does a great job pitting the rhythm and lead against each other, off kilter rhythms that complement in their opposition and add ominous to the heavy. After a final run of the chorus, the song shifts into a long outro, driving chunky guitar riffs amidst atmospheric keyboards that teases you with multiple false stops and hefty tempo downshifts, punctuated by the eerie backing chorus.

“The Angry Hermit” (the album title doesn’t use the adjective, so perhaps we have disturbed his slumber?) has a blackened symphonic atmosphere surrounding the polyrhythmic thrashy death assault. This is the first song where the vocals aren’t purely deathly snarls, adding a more intelligible attack that is equal parts thrash and black. The vocals combined with the eerie orchestration add a sinister, airy vibe, and the guitars show off with a variety of lead-driven riffs and solos while the drums are absolutely crushing.

“Universe 25” is a slower track that takes its time, spending the first half of the song painting a doom soundscape with multiple layers of guitar and keyboard, powerful drums, and a massive atmosphere that is moody and crushing. After what functions as a very long intro, it shifts gears, stepping up the death metal pace complete with an aggressive snarl, mixing in guitar and keyboard leads. The symphonics begin to swell, eventually reprising the initial doomscape, before ending in abrupt fashion.

“Mystique” is bombastic, with symphonic shades, gothic textures, doomy menacing atmosphere, and a furious death metal assault. I feel like I am standing in a castle, fire burning lanterns flickering and casting shadows everywhere. The ominous melodies and gothic choir cause a sense of unease, making you think that something is lurking in the shadows, ready to take you by surprise. The band does a great job creating this uneasy feeling, whether it be the eerie guitar solo, sinister riffs, creepy vocals, or the swirling atmosphere. This is easily another favorite on the album.

Things close out with “Estranged,” a doomy piece with some fabulous guitar melodies that keep things moving. Much of the song opts for a more restrained pace led by these guitar leads, but they occasionally mix in brief heftier passages with driving drums and riffing. The myriad guitar melodies and harmonies, complemented by symphonics, are in command , fabulous in their deftness, and add nice textures to the overall composition. As the song begins to fade, it ends in somber fashion much like the album began, allowing you time to reflect and absorb the amazing tracklist you just experienced. 

Not all comebacks are warranted or good. Sad Whisperings has succeeded on both of these points, delivering a massive album that hits hard and serves up plenty of heft and variety. You owe it to yourself to check this album out, and hopefully this album is just the beginning of this comeback tour.