Seattle-based blackened sludge purveyors STRICKEN return with their sophomore full-length album, titled From Dark Dimensions An Unspeakable Presence Awakens, out this Friday, November 6, via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. If you have an unshakable hankering for the band’s unique blend of heavy elements, fortunately for you, Everything Is Noise is pleased to present the full album stream a few days early to satiate your craving.
Drummer Chris Wozniak, who handled the mixing of From Dark Dimensions alongside engineering by guitarist Nick Charlton, says:
‘I’m very proud of our first album, but this second offering is another level for us. We were still in the process of finding our identity and sound on the last album, but I think we have officially found it here. The tones and songwriting are much more consistent but still remain true to our desire to create songs that feel like a journey into the unknown and invite the listener to be an active participant rather than a passive consumer. It’s not a concept album, but we hope that listeners will enjoy this entire album as if it were.’
The journey Wozniak speaks of is clear from the opening track and single “Dust From The Grave,” which gives listeners a taste of what’s to come on this massive record. A lone guitar riff sails high above driving tom drums before the groove truly sets in; the complex composition of this track and the twists and turns within will likely appeal to fans of Neurosis who want a little Conan energy thrown in for good measure.
“Touch of Corruption” harkens back to more traditional genre elements, with blastbeats and vocals reminiscent of High on Fire or Sandrider‘s retro flair. STRICKEN take this approach throughout From Dark Dimensions, blending throwback inspiration with contemporary production and instrumentation.
Look no further than the monumental closer, “From Nothing to Nothing”, clocking in at over 15 minutes long. The introduction is sparse, ambient, verging on cosmic à la Blood Incantation before exploding into a sludgy, anxiety-inducing dirge. The track morphs and changes throughout its runtime, showcasing STRICKEN‘s technical mastery of multiple blackened subgenres.
From Dark Dimensions An Unspeakable Presence Awakens is available to pre-order on Bandcamp now. Be sure to keep in touch with STRICKEN via Facebook and Instagram, and follow Horror Pain Gore Death Productions here.
Photos by Ben Schauland and Samantha Jones
