Metalcatto
Surprised, mothertruckers. You didn’t know that Spirit Adrift was going to release something today, but I did, because finally being well-connected pays off. Infinite Illumination is meant to give us that Doom and Heavy Metal mix the band has become famous for. Just look at that artwork—doesn’t it bring Nightfall vibes to you? But with more “spiritual substances”? Alright, let’s see if this album can meet the band’s previous epic work.
I’ve never been an expert on Spirit Adrift, but what I can say is that Infinite Illumination honors the band’s consistency. There’s enough quality here to keep you flying around the sun without melting. The album walks a thin line between being a nostalgia trip to the 80s and a psychedelic Cosmic Doom throwdown. It has its own style and identity. Imagine taking the epic scope of Candlemass and blending it with the intensity of Crypt Sermon or Khemmis. It’s an homage to both the new and the old, and it mostly works.
Infinite Illumination has memorable riffs and catchy vocals, but it’s the songwriting that truly stands out. The tracks lean toward the longer spectrum, but they remain captivating throughout a journey that reminds me of Cathedral with fewer jokes—and yes, I know those guys don’t tell jokes, but the music itself cracks me up. Basically, this is classic Doom with more technical skill and fewer substances in the mix. That has to count for something, right?
So, the things I didn’t like are limited but relevant. Yes, that’s the snobbiest line I’ve written in a while. I do feel the album gets less impressive as it moves forward. It’s not that it becomes bloated, but the best material is concentrated in the beginning. The later tracks become more predictable, which doesn’t mean boring, but you get a sense of what the band is going for fairly quickly, and the surprises remain moderate. Still, for both old and new fans, this is a fun way in.
It’s easy to understand why Spirit Adrift has captivated so many nerds—I mean Metalheads—across its meteoric rise in the scene. Infinite Illumination continues that line of work: providing engaging and digestible Heavy and Doom Metal with some Post touches. All of that without making you want to jump off a bridge. Some would call that bad Doom. I call it a well-deserved break from the usual misery parade.
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Release date: April 10th, 2026
Website: https://spiritadrift.bandcamp.com/
Country: USA
Score: 3.8/5.0
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