The gothic doom metallers Draconian from Sweden return to the front again with their new record Turning Seasons Within. I remember their previous album The Burning Halo as a quite enchanting, atmospheric experience, so I was curious if they’d manage the same with this new effort. Let’s find out.

 

Yes they very well do! The same high level of atmospheric melodic passages combined with beautiful female vocals, clashing into depressing deep doom riffs filled with death grunts is pursued on Turning Seasons Within. Fans of the previous album(s) can probably stop reading now and just pick it up.

 

The excellent production of this record makes sure you hear a lot of the subtle details in the songs, even though the overall theme is never disturbed. Comparisons to Opeth would certainly not be out of place while listening to this record, especially the keyboards combined with softly distorted guitars create this feeling. Also the name Officium Triste comes to my mind more than once, only I enjoy this way better than their last effort to be honest.

 

Everybody into melodic, dramatic funeral doom with an excellent production should definitely check Draconian out. It’s not entirely my cup of tea, but I can recognise talent when I hear it, and it’s in abundance on this record.