An Abstract Illusion - The Sleeping City

Quite a busy album sonically in my opinion. So many things happening and so many layers. And very compressed as well. It lacks that "organic" feel.

It has some magical moments though

Written by ForestsAlive on 20.10.2025 at 14:58

Quite a busy album sonically in my opinion. So many things happening and so many layers. And very compressed as well. It lacks that "organic" feel.

It has some magical moments though

I've listened to it in full twice and then some tracks on their own afterward. I agree with so much of this, except the organic feel part. As a whole, it feels very emotionally charged to me, therefore quite organic. I also feel like it is an improvement from the last record, and I already really enjoyed that. It was less emotional in that sense, though.

The dynamic range is low, but I'm not hearing how that is stepping on the sound of the different instruments. The cymbals sound splashy and alive. The mix is actually pretty detailed for how busy it is.

I think the main thing that makes it seem less organic is that its all been tweaked in some way. There's not much there that doesn't sound like it's been modeled, re-amped, or post-processed. There's nothing remotely analog to be found.

Apart from vocals, my probably biggest immediate turn off is the snare. I can't hear shit behind that snare, it takes up like a half of the entire mix. And it would be even okay, maybe, for that kind of music; but then come the blastbeats - and it turns out that the drummer doesn't keep up with his left hand either. Like, you're supposed to carry the whole thing, make it move at your pace, not vice versa. Or, okay, blastbeats are hard, but then at least tone the snare down, so people could appreciate the rest of the layers in the song. I don't know man. This all sounds like complaining, but it's just not for the first time already, Woe had the same issue. Maybe it's a part of their style though.

Do you like music ? -Yes
Do you like the band? -Yes
Will they top their best yet efforts ? -not sure.
Still so many to listen and bubbled from the depths of oceans to surface a few. That's how I like it. Then a story has been told.

Written by IronArkadius on 19.10.2025 at 18:50

Not sure how to feel about this after first listen. I definitely enjoyed it, but I kept waiting for that one track reach the next level and blow my socks off, like In the Heavens Above..., did in Woe, and that never happened. I found things to enjoy in each song, but also bounced off things in each song too.

Going to give this one a few more spins, see if it's a grower.

Also, the band have always employed frequent use of arpeggiating and I haven't minded, but it goes too far here.

After a few listens I think the album is good but not great. It's not as memorable and the songs kind of blend together mostly. Like A Geyser Erupting is a standout for me, love the erupting guitars in the beginning, really makes me think of geysers (or a revving engine sometimes). I also like Blackmurmur but the synths towards the end of it are a bit offputting

Written by MadHatter on 22.10.2025 at 17:37

Apart from vocals, my probably biggest immediate turn off is the snare. I can't hear shit behind that snare, it takes up like a half of the entire mix. And it would be even okay, maybe, for that kind of music; but then come the blastbeats - and it turns out that the drummer doesn't keep up with his left hand either. Like, you're supposed to carry the whole thing, make it move at your pace, not vice versa. Or, okay, blastbeats are hard, but then at least tone the snare down, so people could appreciate the rest of the layers in the song. I don't know man. This all sounds like complaining, but it's just not for the first time already, Woe had the same issue. Maybe it's a part of their style though.

Blast-beats have been a disease affecting every metal band in the world apparently. It's a shame really...

Blastbeated parts in No Dreams and Emmett are the best parts of the record, mind you

Written by MadHatter on 22.10.2025 at 17:37

Apart from vocals, my probably biggest immediate turn off is the snare. I can't hear shit behind that snare, it takes up like a half of the entire mix. And it would be even okay, maybe, for that kind of music; but then come the blastbeats - and it turns out that the drummer doesn't keep up with his left hand either. Like, you're supposed to carry the whole thing, make it move at your pace, not vice versa. Or, okay, blastbeats are hard, but then at least tone the snare down, so people could appreciate the rest of the layers in the song. I don't know man. This all sounds like complaining, but it's just not for the first time already, Woe had the same issue. Maybe it's a part of their style though.

I can't say I agree, blastbeats intentionally sound a little washy because the snare is literally hitting a semi-quaver or a demi-semi-quaver after each downbeat or kick; it's like intentional, consistent dragging. It's never bothered me, and I can't really fault the drummer's performance here.

Written by 24emd on 25.10.2025 at 14:32

I can't say I agree, blastbeats intentionally sound a little washy because the snare is literally hitting a semi-quaver or a demi-semi-quaver after each downbeat or kick; it's like intentional, consistent dragging. It's never bothered me, and I can't really fault the drummer's performance here.

Yes, it makes sense. It does sound the way you're describing it. Well then, I guess it's a design decision, and looks like it works for many. Just can't get behind it

This album... Displaying a unique class and stylistic freedom. A masterpiece.

What a wonderful album, even better than the previous one. This is more focused on musicality an emotional aspects than technicality. Requires several spins to get the full potential. One you connect this you are fully trapped.

Damn those vocals are so ass. WTF happened?

The guitar solo on The Sleeping City has a very Petrucci vibe, loved it

Great music and just awful production. Like I seriously checked if there is something wrong with my audio setup. No separation, sounds like its coming from underwater. Listened to Orgone: Pleroma right after that, which is unkwnown indie thing and the difference was night and day.... So sad about this, because the music is really great apart from that!!!

Did anyone notice the 80s synth vibes on "Silverfields" that sond like Balatro? I was mentally rearranging my Jokers while listening to this song..

The album path is unclear
and too long for me

I returned to this the other day, and I think it's their no. 3 album. Meanders a bit, the songs are less memorable, and the ending isn't as powerful. However this is all in comparison to their previous album which is a top 5 album of all time. So ultimately it's still amazing and the best release from '25.

That little melodic bit in "Emmett" is still the weirdest part on the record - reminds me of some Christmas carols, which is a baffling yet respectable parallel.