Metalcatto
You know what this year hasn’t had much of (aside from peace and love)? Sad puppy Death/Doom. So I decided to check the inbox and see if we had some. Of course we did: Sorrowful Land – Hiraeth (I swear I’ve reviewed an album with that name before). However, despite my obvious bias for this wholesome and crushing subgenre, I’m trying to give more balanced views lately when it comes to my guilty pleasures. So, let’s see if this album is something Pegah would love, or just me. Let’s dive in!
At first, Hiraeth was something I almost overlooked, but its depressing and soul-crushing vibe instantly reminded me of all the greats in the genre, such as Décembre Noir, Officium Triste, or even Nailed to Obscurity. The album sticks to that mid-tempo sadness at its core and excels at melodic lines, which are the most important part of any Death/Doom release. Without them, it would just be boring Doom Metal, but here the melodies remain consistent throughout. There aren’t too many mood shifts—you’re stuck in this emotionally cathartic slow-burn the entire way through.
Perhaps what surprises me the most about Hiraeth is that it’s a one-man project. It doesn’t feel like that at all. There are no moments that sound obviously programmed; it truly feels like the creator could have competently played all these instruments. The album balances both long and short tracks, but consistency reigns supreme, leaving me trapped in a never-ending parade of sad riffs—which, honestly, doesn’t sound too bad. Still, I have to point out a few things, even if it’s hard to fight the fanboy in me who wants to give everything a free pass just because it sounds straight out of central Finland.
So, back to my usual “two main issues” formula. First, Hiraeth is essentially adding more wood to an eternal fire. It’s sticking to a sound we’ve heard done really well before. If you love this style, you’ll get another project that nails the sad puppy vibe, but if you’re expecting something disruptive or groundbreaking, the answer is no. Second, while the first half of the album feels tighter and more engaging, the second half leans more on repetition to justify its considerable length. The first three tracks absolutely slay, while the rest are good but don’t top that strong start for me.
That said, the Death/Doom community will probably find nothing to complain about here, since they’re getting exactly what they always want: sadness and crushing thoughts to accompany autumn (or year-round, if you’re outside the northern hemisphere). Those waiting for wild changes might have to wait longer, but Sorrowful Land proves that this style of melodic agony is alive and well.
Label: Meuse Music Records
Release date: September 12, 2025
Website: https://sorrowfulland.bandcamp.com/
Country: Ukraine
Score: 3.5/5.0
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