Surut – Unelma Album Review (AOTM December)

The debut album ‘Unelma’ by the Finnish metal band ‘Surut’ arrives during the darkest days of the year. Although the Christmas season is underway in the markets, the atmosphere is shrouded in darkness, lacking natural light, and the temperature has turned cold.

Their self-titled EP, released in 2020, hinted at something promising but also left something to be desired. The debut album, however, brings more variation, heightened emotion, and improved dynamics. The opening track, ‘Nyt Olen Kaunis’ (Now I am Beautiful), is a slow post-metal piece with a touch of brighter black metal, reminiscent of Deafheaven, yet avoiding any sense of imitation. Following it, ‘Yksin’ (Alone) picks up the pace, drawing parallels to classic chaotic hardcore bands like ‘Baptists’ or ‘Converge’. The album’s winding riffs are well-balanced with more accessible elements.

While the blend of black metal, hardcore, and post-metal isn’t groundbreaking in the metal scene, ‘Unelma’ presents it with a tasteful touch. The use of the Finnish language adds an exotic dimension to their music, setting them apart from similar blackened hardcore bands. The album features brilliant depressive, longing, and beautiful Nordic melodies. Notable moments include the shoegaze-like ending of ‘Tragedia II’ or the psychedelic feel of ‘Pakotan Hymysi Kasvoillesi’ (I will force a smile on your face). The final track, ‘Eulogia,’ is straightforward without massive surprises, yet the small details, especially the distantly mixed clean vocals, sound perfect. This raises the question of whether the vocals could have been more varied throughout the album.

To sum it up, the album alternates between moments of impressive magnitude and transitions to simple yet beautiful soundscapes. It shows all its details without becoming too predictable. Here’s hoping that this album, along with the band, captures the attention it rightly deserves!

Surut – Unelma

Release Date: December 8, 2023

Album of the Month by Cuberat