ninehertz

Tarlung’s first release came out in 2014; their last album, the impressive Architect came out five years ago. Now is the time for them to make their mark. They achieve it and then some.

Axis Mundi is a stellar showcasing of how doom can be progressive and still retain its core thrill in the year 2026. Its eight tracks build upon the promise they have shown to date in a powerhouse display. Theres a tangible excitement listening for the first time as track to track they maintain the highest of levels until its end where you realise you’ve just experienced something special.

There are reminders of the likes of Kylesa and Baroness, an understanding with their tour partners and collaborators Mares of Thrace, taking from post-metal whilst conceding little doom ground. The Valley of Nowhere is where you recognise the album’s potential, and when that is followed by the stunning Burning Out, with its peaceful, lazy beauty and fuzz laden post-hardcore change up, you’re already sold, just three songs in.

The metallic vocals stand out, ever present whether light or shade, settling in nicely with the sludgey groove. They switch from stoner rock to sludge in the riff weight and it all fits the overarching mood, providing variance whilst sticking to an album long thematic musical approach. I haven’t got a bad word for it, it is superb in its high points, and never less than intriguingly created. It is the first great doom album of the year.