Poland’s Sunnata deliver their fourth long player since their formation back in 2013. More than your straight-ahead doom band, they offer up a more rounded music experience that pulsates and immerses the listener.
“Crows” opens the album with slightly psychedelic, sensuous bass and clean vocals as a sudden injection of heavy doom smashes in before the peace returns. Szyman Ewertowski’s vocals are engaging and powerful, proving to be a cornerstone of the band’s aesthetic. The tribal feel of “God Emperor Of Dune” builds an atmosphere as chiming guitar grows creating an imperious grandeur.
“A Million Lives” has a thick, fuzzy riff that smacks of Kyuss as they lock into a super cool groove. A shamanic chant mid-section gives the track a sense of mysticism before “Black Serpent”, with shades of Led Zeppelin in the Eastern tinged chimes. A lash of classic doom follows and once the pace gets cranked up it’s a swirling, cosmic trip.
There’s a shamanic, ritualistic feel to the album as a whole. Light and shade play a large part and the Pink Floyd slanted “Way Out” with its warm and atmospheric sound with soothing vocals that weave their way through the music is a solid finish to the album.
Sunnata have dropped a brilliant long player full of sensory delights. This is not a traditional doom soundtrack but so much more. Turn the lights off, grab your favourite drop and let the sounds flow over you.
(8/10 Johnny Zed)
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