Album Review: Sunless – Grave of the Lambs (Self Released)

The brainchild of Rudy M, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and veteran of the underground metal scene, Sunless is a doom metal project from Montreal, Québec. Following on from the 2023 debut EP, ‘MMXXIII’, Sunless will now release their debut full-length album, ‘Grave of the Lambs’, on August 30th, 2024.

Featuring five tomes of heavy doom that oozes elements of blackened and death-infused metal, MMXXIII left an impression, and with Grave of the Lambs, Sunless looks to leave an even bigger one. This time, showcasing seven tomes of heavy doom that blends different genre ideas, has deeper melodies, and sounds more refined. Something notable from the start with the creative intensity of Lines in the Sand and Ardor/Candor.

Early on, it’s clear that Sunless isn’t going to be held back by the trappings of one particular sound. Yet it’s also clear that this is still a doom release at its core. It’s exciting to hear the twists and turns on the formula and in short amount of time this project has certainly come a long way.

Something that is further exemplified with melodic aplomb on The Unceasing Burden. Sunless flexing some experimental muscles and delivering something notably challenging. It’s a gargantuan track at nearly nine-minutes in length and it shows a more confident direction.

By comparison, the following Alive!, even with its deeper concentration of heaviness, feels lighter. The more focused approach is welcome, and it’s a much chunkier sounding effort, even with small moments of intriguing levity. Then there is That We May Shine, a broader example of Sunless’ elaboration on melody drawn out to disconcerting, but charming, levels. Before the penultimate title track brings forth some more ‘traditional’ doom elements. Albeit twisted by an imagination that is certainly running wild.

It’s this creativity that ensures Grave of the Lambs continues to be so interesting as the end arrives. Sunless wrapping up this impressive debut with laidback melodic touches, morose heaviness, and progressive power via A Triumphant Odyssey. An apt title as the overall journey here certainly proves to be a celebratory one. Sunless has achieved the all-important goal of bettering the previous release and showing plenty of advancement in sound. Grave of the Lambs well and truly puts this band on the map.

Sunless – Grave of the Lambs Track Listing:

1. Lines in the Sand
2. Ardor/Candor
3. The Unceasing Burden
4. Alive!
5. That We May Shine
6. Grave of the Lambs
7. A Triumphant Odyssey

Links

Bandcamp