«Swallow the Sun - When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light»
The album When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light by Swallow the Sun is a work that cannot be fully appreciated without considering its context. Following the tragic loss of his partner and creative collaborator Aleah Stanbridge in 2016, the band's founder Juha Raivio immersed himself in music as a way to process his grief. This album is a continuation of his work in other projects, such as Hallatar, and bears a clear imprint of personal loss. The title track, as well as the overall concept of the album, draws from Stanbridge’s lyrics, while the music blends elements of gothic post-metal with subtle touches of doom-death metal.
Musically, When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light stands out as the softest and most melancholic album in the band’s discography. Moving away from the typically grim and brooding doom metal that Swallow the Sun is known for, the album adopts a more restrained and atmospheric sound. This is not just a shift from one genre to another—it is nearly a complete transformation of their musical concept. There is more space for clean vocals, and the heavy guitar riffs are less prominent. The music here is not so much heavy as it is cold and distant, creating an atmosphere of solitude and introspection.
Despite its sense of detachment and melancholy, the album masterfully conveys emotions that are difficult to articulate. Mikko Kotamäki’s vocals showcase remarkable versatility: ranging from clean singing to guttural screams and deep, bone-crushing growls that add intensity to the songs. Guitarists Juha Raivio and Juho Räihä craft melodic yet understated guitar lines that incorporate gothic and neo-death elements without overwhelming the listener.
The opening track, When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light, begins the album with an ambitious, slightly symphonic atmosphere that gradually alternates between clean vocals and growls. However, despite its interesting dynamic shifts, the track feels somewhat drawn out, and not all of its ideas are fully developed.
The following song, The Crimson Crown, is a true gem of the album. It combines soft rock reminiscent of Anathema with melodies and atmospheres characteristic of Alcest and 1980s gothic influences, creating an emotionally rich and musically refined piece. This track perfectly balances light and dark shades of music, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Though there are a few lackluster and slightly overlong tracks, the album gains momentum as it progresses. Songs like Stone Wings and Clouds on Your Side showcase a successful blend of gothic atmosphere and doom-death elements. The closing track, Never Left, concludes the album by blending heaviness and lightness, simultaneously evoking hope and sorrow.
Overall, When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light is an album that does not immediately reveal itself to the listener. It requires time to fully sink in, and while not every moment may achieve its emotional aim, when it does, the result is profoundly moving and deep. This album is a deeply personal work by Juha Raivio, combining the pain of loss, the search for peace, and the effort to find light in dark times. Despite its softness and melancholy, it may stand as the most "real" and sincere album by Swallow the Sun, offering listeners not just musical revelations but emotions they can share with the creator.
Musically, When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light stands out as the softest and most melancholic album in the band’s discography. Moving away from the typically grim and brooding doom metal that Swallow the Sun is known for, the album adopts a more restrained and atmospheric sound. This is not just a shift from one genre to another—it is nearly a complete transformation of their musical concept. There is more space for clean vocals, and the heavy guitar riffs are less prominent. The music here is not so much heavy as it is cold and distant, creating an atmosphere of solitude and introspection.
Despite its sense of detachment and melancholy, the album masterfully conveys emotions that are difficult to articulate. Mikko Kotamäki’s vocals showcase remarkable versatility: ranging from clean singing to guttural screams and deep, bone-crushing growls that add intensity to the songs. Guitarists Juha Raivio and Juho Räihä craft melodic yet understated guitar lines that incorporate gothic and neo-death elements without overwhelming the listener.
The opening track, When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light, begins the album with an ambitious, slightly symphonic atmosphere that gradually alternates between clean vocals and growls. However, despite its interesting dynamic shifts, the track feels somewhat drawn out, and not all of its ideas are fully developed.
The following song, The Crimson Crown, is a true gem of the album. It combines soft rock reminiscent of Anathema with melodies and atmospheres characteristic of Alcest and 1980s gothic influences, creating an emotionally rich and musically refined piece. This track perfectly balances light and dark shades of music, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Though there are a few lackluster and slightly overlong tracks, the album gains momentum as it progresses. Songs like Stone Wings and Clouds on Your Side showcase a successful blend of gothic atmosphere and doom-death elements. The closing track, Never Left, concludes the album by blending heaviness and lightness, simultaneously evoking hope and sorrow.
Overall, When A Shadow Is Forced Into The Light is an album that does not immediately reveal itself to the listener. It requires time to fully sink in, and while not every moment may achieve its emotional aim, when it does, the result is profoundly moving and deep. This album is a deeply personal work by Juha Raivio, combining the pain of loss, the search for peace, and the effort to find light in dark times. Despite its softness and melancholy, it may stand as the most "real" and sincere album by Swallow the Sun, offering listeners not just musical revelations but emotions they can share with the creator.
Rating: 8/10
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