Finland is home to some amazing bands and talented individuals, and there is definitely no shortage of music to satisfy even the hungriest of connoisseurs. I am not sure how they do it, perhaps it is something in the water, or maybe it’s the cold, or the midnight sun. Whatever it is the Finns do it right!
Now onto the subject of this review Lurk, who play a blend of Atmopsheric Doomy Sludge with some Black Metal undertones thrown in for good measure. That’s a lot of sound for one band but mixing the different elements of various genres is what makes metal music so special, and Lurk delivers.
What stands out about this album is the array of diversity between songs. This makes it interesting and not bogged down with plenty of atmosphere seeping into the crevices.
The band name suits them well as this gives off the general feeling of something lurking, hungry to leech and invade your innermost thoughts.
There are moments of slow passages that are awakened by eerie howls and shrieks, beckoning you to keep listening for more.
But that is not the main focus here and not everything is slow and doomy as there are catchy faster sludge passages that pair well with the general atmosphere of the album.
Everything about this album borders on something otherworldly and mysterious, making this the perfect soundtrack for those dark moments when catharsis is not easily accessible.
Lurk have created a heavy monster of an album that can only be tamed by the bravest of souls.
Fringe will be released on August 5th via Transcending Obscurity Records.
Rating: 4/5
The Metal Wanderlust 