Metalcatto
If you’re deep in the underground, you’ll probably have heard of Dream Unending and the great Song of Salvation. It’s an album that took Tomb Mold and made it an atmospheric journey. Now, Certain Uncertainties has big shoes to fill. Is it going to get heavier or weirder? It feels like both can’t go at the same time, right? The guys have a few choices, and they all come with risks. Let’s see what happened in the end.
So, Certain Uncertainties is clearly a more atmospheric entry in Dream Unending‘s catalog. At times, the album feels like lounge music—like you’re in a pub on a Sunday, or on a Saturday, because weekdays are for alcoholics. However, you still get these ugly and brutal moments, as if the void is calling you in your sleep. Completely weird parts that shouldn’t work together somehow do, creating what feels like a dream sequence. You’ll actually get relaxed amidst all this aggression. It’s a strange sensation, but it works more often than it doesn’t.
The album is definitely a more Prog Rock endeavor than Dream Unending‘s previous releases. We spend a significant amount of time just listening to beautiful and meaningful guitar work. Without it, this would be nothing more than elevator music with monkey howling. Certain Uncertainties has a lot of layers and sounds that complement the more intense role the guitars and vocals have. Everything feels colorful, which is a relief in Death Metal. It’s like a painting you can walk through.
Now I’m going to complain. I just don’t enjoy Certain Uncertainties as much as its predecessor. It has the same experimental approach, but at times, there’s just too much time spent noodling around. Even if it’s good, the length of the tracks promotes getting distracted. More speed and aggression at times would have made this a more audacious listen. Also, if you love old school Death Metal, prepare to be alienated. This is not the album for you. It’s slow, it’s atmospheric, and it takes its time. If you’re not patient, you’ll be bored.
I might have disliked how chilled this dream was, but Dream Unending is still delivering music that is as expressive as it is experimental. Its uniqueness is unquestionable. If you’re in the mood to fall asleep but also listen to the dream of a demon, this is your chance to go to that realm in peace.
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Release date: October 30th, 2026
Website: https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/album/certain-uncertainties
Country: USA/Canada
Score: 3.5/5.0
