‘“Sedna” is the closing track of the new album Sila Nuna. The song was born from the idea of approaching music in a different way — exploring paths that remain connected to the project yet slightly outside of it, seeking new melodic ideas and building a piece that could evoke both the drama and disillusionment of paternal betrayal, as well as the strength of rebirth. “Sedna” is exactly that: a cry of defiance in the face of death.‘
Few things in life are as certain as death and taxes; atmospheric black metal being great is one of them. Italian quartet SEDNA are the latest piece of evidence in a long line of prime examples of why this subgenre in particular is absolutely spellbinding. Gearing up to release their new album Sila Nuna (a title lifted from Inuktitut languages, meaning ‘Sky and Earth‘) on November 21 via Dusktone, they deliver its crushing finale “Sedna” as a single today.
The title wasn’t chosen for nothing: SEDNA chose to center their new opus around the mythology of the Inuit people, ranging, as they themselves put it, ‘from Tulugaq, the Raven god and bringer of light, to Amarok, the shadow wolf who guards the forest, to Torngarsuk, the protector of the spirit realm, passing through Arnajuinnaq, goddess of wind and ice, and finally reaching Sedna, the goddess of the sea.‘ This titular sea goddess is what drove the band to create their latest single, and with the help of Psychonaut 4 guitarist/vocalist S. D. Ramirez and singer Agnese Alteri, they turned this monumental inspiration into eight-and-a-half ravishing and fierce minutes of black metal bliss.
SEDNA are currently comprised of Alex Crisafulli (vocals/guitar), Rolando Giulio Ferro (drums), Mirko Abà (guitar), and Lucio Minghetti (guitar) – bassist/vocalist Edoardo Martinelli performed on the album before parting ways with the band – and they used this recording to hone their edges, becoming more raw, aggressive, and visceral in the process. Their sense for sublime melodies remains intact, however; a dichotomy that is showcased well on “Sedna”.
Sila Nuna was recorded in Ravenna, Italy with Abà as the producer, while Jack Shirley handled the mastering. Conceptually and sonically, this promises to be a richly textured and intricate album. SEDNA chose a compelling, oft-overlooked mythology to weave their music around, and going off “Sedna” alone, they succeeded in doing the source material justice. This is a beautifully serrated track, sure to cut through the noise of everyday life to deliver its resplendent sound to everyone who dares to listen.
With “Sedna” as its send-off, Sila Nuna is meant to ‘form a journey through Inuit culture: cold people, yet a population with a burning spirit and a living, colorful tradition.‘ In pursuing such lofty goals, SEDNA may have crafted their finest material yet – surely “Sedna” bodes well for the overall quality of its parent album.
If the above managed to catch your imagination, be sure to pre-order Sila Nuna via the Dusktone Bandcamp shop; you can also find the band’s earlier material on their own page. Don’t forget to follow SEDNA on social media (Facebook | Instagram) as we await the album’s final reveal on November 21!
