Following their 2019 debut album, Lunar Falls - an album that not only stunned listeners and international press, but also rock and metal empire Napalm Records - Australian dark folk/blackgaze project Suldusk will herald the new year with the release of their sophomore studio offering, Anthesis, out March 1. In celebration of today’s announcement, the band has revealed the album’s title track and its accompanying music video.
While Suldusk started as a one-woman project founded by the highly talented Emily Highfield, for Anthesis, she recruited incredibly talented musicians to help elevate the vision of their acoustic-based music to the level of an intense, powerful and heavy record. Anthesis continues where Suldusk left off with their transfixing debut, yet proves musically more complex. The album will take you into a gloomy, magical world where the Melbourne-based project combines a high variety of dark and extreme sounds within its very own sonic universe.
Emily Highfield offers: "We are very excited to finally release ‘Anthesis’, which is the title track and first single off the upcoming album. Lunar Falls was a one woman project, but the new album is a band venture. This has enabled Suldusk to delve even deeper musically, lyrically and as a live experience. Many thanks to the loyal fans for being ever so patient, and to the great team at Napalm Records. Much love, Emily."
Watch the music video for “Anthesis” below.
On Anthesis, Suldusk shines with dark folk, blackgaze, post-rock, prog, doom and even black metal elements - flowing together to create one very unique synthesis of sound. Emily’s voice is a strong highlight, impressing with softness and fragility at times, and turning over to demonic screams in the very next moment. For the first time in Suldusk’s young history, there are also male vocal harmonies contributed by Shane Mulholland. Anthesis was produced and mixed by Troy Mccosker, and was mastered by Thomas “Plec” Johansson (Soilwork, Opeth, Katatonia). The album also features guest appearances from Raphael Weinroth-Browne (Leprous) and Rachelle Harvey on cello.
With their second album, Suldusk are more than ready to embark on another journey into the depths of primeval forests, where emotions are hidden under the thickets to reveal what’s not meant to be seen. The album is a stunning and enthralling masterpiece - highly recommended for fans of Myrkur, Oathbreaker and Chelsea Wolfe - and one that unconditionally needs to be seen, felt and heard.
Anthesis will be available in the following formats:
- 1 CD Digisleeve
- 1 LP Gatefold Red
- Digital Album
Pre-order here.
Anthesis tracklisting:
"Astraeus"
"Verdalet"
"Crowns Of Esper"
"Crystalline"
"Sphaera"
"Anthesis"
"Mythical Creatures"
"Leven"
"A Luminous End"
"Anthesis" video:
Suldusk are:
Emily Highfield - Vocals, Guitars
Shane Mulholland - Vocals Guitars
Daniel Green - Bass
Josh Taylor - Guitars
Hayley Anderson - Violin
Frankie Demuru – Drums
(Photo - Naomi Baker)
