Swallow The Sun – Plague Of Butterflies - Album Streaming & Download

Origin : Finland

Genre : Melodic Death / Doom Metal

Release : 2008 (EP)

Album Info / Review

Intro:
Swallow the Sun, the Finnish purveyors of melancholic and crushing doom metal, return with “Plague of Butterflies,” an album that, while not a complete departure, sees them delving deeper into the atmospheric and the epic. Released in 2008, this offering solidifies their position as masters of despair, weaving tales of decay and existential dread with a musical tapestry that is both suffocatingly heavy and surprisingly delicate. “Plague of Butterflies” is not for the faint of heart; it’s a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche, painted with broad strokes of guttural vocals, soaring guitar leads, and a rhythm section that feels like the inexorable march of time.

Track Analysis:
“Through Her Blood” opens the album with a slow, agonizing crawl, the guitars dripping with a viscous distortion that feels tangible. Juha Raivio’s signature riffing is present, a mournful melody etched into the sonic landscape. Mikko Kotamäki’s vocals enter like a death rattle, a guttural roar that immediately establishes the album’s bleak tone. The track builds with an oppressive weight, punctuated by moments of almost ethereal clean guitar passages that offer a fleeting glimmer of light before being swallowed by the darkness.

“Under the Crimson Moon” introduces a slightly more aggressive edge, with a driving drum beat from Pasi Pöyry that propels the song forward with relentless momentum. The guitar solos here are more prominent, weaving intricate and mournful melodies that intertwine with the oppressive atmosphere. The track’s structure is dynamic, shifting from crushing heaviness to passages of haunting beauty, showcasing the band’s adeptness at balancing brutality with vulnerability.

“The Breath of Loneliness” is a masterclass in atmospheric doom. The keyboards, subtly layered, create a sense of vast, desolate space. The track is slower, more deliberate, allowing the weight of each note to resonate. Kotamäki’s delivery here is particularly impactful, conveying a profound sense of isolation and despair. The interplay between the distorted guitars and the cleaner, arpeggiated sections is masterful, creating a sonic push and pull that keeps the listener captivated.

“Screaming into the Void” lives up to its name, with a more frantic and chaotic energy. The blast beats, while not the focus of the album, make a brief, impactful appearance, adding a layer of ferocity. The guitars are more dissonant, creating a sense of unease and psychological torment. This track showcases a willingness to experiment within their established sound, pushing the boundaries of their sonic palette.

“Victim of the Sun” returns to a more traditional, albeit incredibly powerful, doom metal structure. The riffs are colossal, the drum work is precise and impactful, and the vocal performance is a relentless barrage of anguish. The track features some of the most memorable melodic lines on the album, etched against a foundation of crushing heaviness.

“These Woods, Dark and Deep” is an instrumental interlude that provides a moment of respite, albeit a somber one. The acoustic guitars, layered with subtle ambient textures, create an image of a forgotten, decaying forest. It’s a testament to the band’s ability to evoke strong imagery through their music alone.

“When the Game is Lost” is a sprawling epic, clocking in at over twelve minutes. This is where Swallow the Sun truly stretches their wings, weaving a narrative through shifting tempos, dynamic vocal deliveries, and a wealth of instrumental prowess. The track ebbs and flows, from moments of crushing despair to soaring, anthemic passages. The guitar solos are particularly breathtaking, each note imbued with emotion. The lyrical themes of futility and resignation are powerfully conveyed through the music.

The title track, “Plague of Butterflies,” serves as a fitting conclusion. It’s a brooding, atmospheric piece that gradually builds in intensity. The keyboards return with a prominent role, adding an almost cinematic quality to the track. The song’s conclusion is a slow, drawn-out fade, leaving the listener with a lingering sense of unease and a profound emotional impact.

Conclusion:
“Plague of Butterflies” is a monumental achievement in atmospheric doom metal. Swallow the Sun have crafted an album that is both incredibly heavy and remarkably nuanced. The production is thick and enveloping, allowing each instrument to breathe while maintaining an oppressive atmosphere. The lyrical themes are handled with a maturity and depth that elevates the music beyond mere sonic aggression. This is an album that demands repeated listens, revealing new layers of despair and beauty with each immersion. It’s a testament to the band’s enduring power to explore the darker aspects of the human condition with unflinching honesty and artistic brilliance.