Sun Of The Sleepless (aka SOTS) is Empyrium's Ulf Theodor Schwadorf's (aka Markus Stock) solo project. SOTS is quite afar from warmer sounds of Empyrium. The music is black metal based for a big part, but not thoroughly. The band name and some lyrics are from poets Lord Byron and John Keats respectively. I think "winter in the soul" is one way to interpret the lyrics. That's okay by me.

'Thou, Whose Face Hath Felt the Winter's Wind' begins this mini-CD in a blasting, cold black metal style. This trend continues for some minutes and then extremely calm instrumental part starts. And it is quite well done considering, that it is all synthesized flute sounds and such. Then the black metal parts start again. Despite the instrumental part, the song offers nothing new in black metal style. 'Grimme Pain' starts as a black metal song, too, but takes a turn into more eerie atmosphere in the end. Lead guitar reminds me of Thy Serpent's fantastic 'Death' -era (2000). These two songs are quite simple, but 'Nebelmond' continues in Thy Serpent style, being more upbeat and definitely more happening. Maybe dark heavy metal? Surely, most unique song of these three.

Trebly and echoing soundscape is quite grim, but maybe too polished to be real black. Almost all of the lower end is missing on this one. Points for using real drums, even though they are low in the mix and this becomes very clear on faster parts, where snare drum sinks under everything else. Vocals are usual black metal style, but still okay. They go on without a much of notice. The synthesizers are overally good. Simple yet very beautiful artwork is a treat for sight.

Too nice to be black metal, too thin to please many metallers. However, I think this first release from SOTS is fine piece of dark metal that I like to listen to every now and then. Sadly this is not very long in its duration. I feel a need to write so much more about this, but I don't know what. Best way to find out is tho try. If you love Thy Serpent's 'Death', do not miss this one!

Rating: 7½ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
10/26/2004 16:31