Felgrave - Otherlike Darknesses (2025) Hi-Res

Felgrave's 2025 release, *Otherlike Darknesses*, is a bold exploration of avant-garde metal, blending elements of doom, black, and death metal into a cohesive and immersive experience. Comprising three extensive tracks, the album eschews traditional song structures in favor of a stream-of-consciousness approach, creating a journey that is both challenging and rewarding.

The album's opener, "Winds Batter My Keep," sets the tone with dissonant, entangled guitar lines and atmospheric synths that give way to M.L. Jupe's heartfelt clean vocals. This interplay between harsh and melodic elements continues throughout the album, with tracks like "Pale Flowers Under an Empty Sky" showcasing a dynamic range that shifts from chaotic intensity to serene passages.

Critics have noted the album's ability to maintain a sense of cohesion despite its complexity. The Progressive Subway highlights the "dreamlike" quality of the songwriting, while Nine Circles praises the album's "ultra-linear exercises in concentration," likening the listening experience to an extended cinematic sequence that defies conventional structure.

The production, handled by Jupe and mastered by Brendan Sloan, ensures that each instrument occupies its own space, allowing the intricate compositions to breathe. Drummer Robin Stone's performance adds a dynamic layer, guiding the listener through the album's shifting landscapes with precision and intensity.