Evoken - Hypnagogia [CD]

2018 release. Known as one of the founding fathers of the American death/funeral doom metal scene, New Jersey's Evoken have been a long-standing pillar over the band's 25 year pillage. Hypnagogia is the band's sixth LP, their first in six years since their landmark Atra Mors album, and is a towering monolith that develops and redefines the band's sound that will only strengthen their position within the death/doom metal hierarchy where Evoken has always reigned. Hypnagogia is an expression of doom metal artistry where the listener will bear witness how Evoken can create a new and even more daring expression with a monument that will be recognized as a landmark. This tends to happen regardless with every Evoken release, but Hypnagogia sees the band expand their musical dynamics even more through the meticulous care and discrimination of the band's song writing process, Hypnagogia being a listening experience through a multitude of varying yet flourishing emotions. Pushing both their penchant for grandiose melodicism and their trademark aura of pulverizing supreme unparalleled heaviness even more, it is the base of this repercussion that makes Hypnagogia one of the most intense, compelling, and soul crushing Evoken listening experiences yet; one of euphoria, desperation, and hopelessness. Hypnagogia also sees Evoken delve into their first concept album.