As The Sun Falls - Kaamos
• album review •

The Finnish metal band As the Sun Falls is back with their latest album Kaamos, released less than a year after their previous EP. The band, featuring Jani Berney Mikkänen (guitar/vocals), Lauri Unkila (guitar), Oskar Englund (bass), Paul Rytkönen (drums), and Mikko Voutilainen (vocals), delivers an album that explores both icy landscapes and fierce soundscapes, all while maintaining a deep sense of atmospheric beauty.

Kaamos opens with "Indrøø," a lengthy introduction that immerses the listener in a cold, majestic ambiance. The track gradually builds with the introduction of percussion and a saturated rhythm, setting the stage for "Among the Stars." This second track features massive howls intertwined with impressive riffs, balancing soothing clean vocals and intense saturation to create a dynamic duality.

"Black Lakes" channels the aggressive roots of Old School metal, crafting a raw and warlike atmosphere. The relentless pace is maintained by the drums and bass, driving the song forward until it transitions into "In Forlorn Times." Here, airy melodies and fascinating sounds create a bewitching backdrop for the vocalist's storytelling. A calm interlude provides a brief respite before the saturation returns.

"The Wanderer," an eight-minute epic, begins tranquilly before surrendering to a fierce onslaught, contrasting peaceful and aggressive sections. The band captivates the listener right until the end, where the tension is momentarily reduced. "Aurora" reignites the intensity, blending solemn keyboard tones with jerky rhythmic patterns.

"Through Sorrow and Grief" embodies melancholy with piercing leads and haunting female vocals, providing a delicate dance between gentle riffs and rhythmic beats. The track flows seamlessly into "Into the Shadows," which builds gradually until the music erupts again. Clean vocal passages offer a moment of stillness amidst the persistent softness, eventually giving way to the forceful "Silver Shining." This track emphasizes the drums' role in supporting soaring riffs and dynamic screams.

The album concludes with "The Great Cold," which returns to vivid, jerky elements combined with melodic clouds, and the title track "Kaamos." This final instrumental ballad unfurls a veil of gentleness, providing a soothing end to the album's journey.

As the Sun Falls demonstrates their prolific and inspired nature with Kaamos. Each release from the band is well-crafted, offering an icy, majestic touch perfect for moments of mental escapism. Kaamos stands as a testament to the band's ability to blend atmospheric beauty with powerful metal elements, creating an album that captivates and transports the listener.