Album Review: Ianai – Sunir (Svart Records)

To speak to Trevenial, the single-entity, multi-instrumentalist voice from the other side of the veil, is to speak to a spirit that transcends the veil of this world and crosses borders beyond time and place. But you will not speak to Trevenial, but hear the words put forth in Ianai. Ianai is the essence of music that will permeate culture and influence without thought of boundaries or convention. Ianai is mythos in the making.

With not much known of Trevenial’s identity or nature, Ianai’s music is imbued with flavors from indigenous musical cultures around the globe and clothed in darkly hued indie moods. Acting as a messenger between two worlds and Ianai is music carried from within through the ages. Now is the time to let the waking world hear it too.

Sunir will be released on the 10th of June 2022 via Svart Records.

While details about identities are light, what is known about Ianai and Sunir is that it is a collaborative effort. Featuring an array of worldwide musicians and classic orchestras. One of the most impressive undertakings seen in some time, it might have taken a while to come to fruition but all the time and effort will prove to have been worth it.

There’s no easy way to describe this album, it’s not quite like anything you may have heard in some time. Certainly, when you consider just how elaborate and cinematic it is. Especially when you begin to understand just how planetary it is.

That’s not just a fancy word to describe this album, it’s a statement of fact as Sunir features instrumentation from all over the world. Scandinavia, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. It’s an all-encompassing showcase of worldwide styles, sounds and more that makes each track, each journey, a unique offering.

Incredibly dreamlike but with many grounding moments, the simplest way to describe the music that emanates from Ianai is to call it transcendent. Music that is mellow, music that is comfortable and kind to the ears, music that is earnest and honest sounding, music that is akin to drifting through time and space, light as a feather.

The creativity on show here is divine and the imaginative way in which each and every track is portrayed, enthralling. It almost seems absurd to be reviewing it in the same fashion as we might, an extreme metal release. So far removed from the norm, as it is.

That being said, it is music, and we understand music… mostly. Getting heads around this though, it takes some work and importantly, a willingness to let it breathe. Sunir is an album that needs the mental room to expand. There’s nothing narrow about this. Take the time required, allow Sunir to swell and experience the delightful rarity that is something so immersive.

Ianai – Sunir Full Track Listing:

1. Savoj Icoil
2. Elitha
3. Manda Navaja
4. Anaia
5. Sunir
6. Khaalo
7. Vasariah
8. O’zana
9. Akrar Adi’re
10. Incheronia
11. Ovu Lusta
12. Samovela

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