Morke, the musical project led by Eric Wing, has released its fourth studio album, To Carry On. Described by the artist as "Atmospheric Castle Metal," the album aims to transport listeners to historical settings through its soundscapes. Released on October 10, 2025, via True Cult Records, this new offering emphasizes atmosphere and tonal consistency.
Key Takeaways
- Morke's fourth album, To Carry On, is out now.
- The genre is described as "Atmospheric Castle Metal."
- Tanner Anderson contributed to the album's production.
- The album focuses on creating a consistent, immersive atmosphere.
- It features mid-paced tempos and prominent guitar leads.
Album Focuses on Atmospheric Sound
To Carry On distinguishes itself through its strong emphasis on atmosphere. The album largely maintains a mid-paced tempo, with guitar leads playing a central role in its overall presentation. Tracks like "Falling Leaves" and "Sublymed Respair" feature these leads prominently, creating a distinct sonic texture.
The production quality allows for a clear sound, ensuring that various elements are discernible. Notably, bass lines, such as those in "Ashes of Feudalism," are clear and contribute to the album's depth. This clarity supports the overarching goal of building an immersive experience for the listener.
Album Details
- Artist: Morke
- Album: To Carry On
- Release Date: October 10, 2025
- Label: True Cult Records
- Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal / Atmospheric Castle Metal
- Dynamic Range (DR): 7
Collaboration with Tanner Anderson
A notable aspect of To Carry On is the involvement of Tanner Anderson. Anderson is known for his work with the band Obsequiae, which shares a similar atmospheric style. His contributions to Morke's latest album are credited in promotional materials, though the specific extent of his participation is not detailed.
Listeners familiar with Obsequiae's sound may find common ground in Morke's new release. The collaboration suggests an influence that aligns with the atmospheric black metal genre, aiming for a rich, transportive musical experience.
"On first listen, all I could think was ‘wow, this sounds exactly like Obsequiae.’ Turns out my ears are very astute, as Tanner Anderson is credited in the promo as making contributions to the album."
This observation highlights the immediate connection some listeners may draw to Anderson's previous work, indicating a shared artistic vision or influence.
Musical Structure and Thematic Consistency
The album's composition prioritizes a consistent tonal palette. Morke avoids extreme shifts in dynamics, instead focusing on a steady, enveloping sound. The drums are present, with occasional double bass sections to maintain a metal identity, but the overall feel remains atmospheric rather than aggressively heavy.
Mid-album tracks, specifically "Coup D’oeil" and "Viola Odorata," have been noted for their memorable riffs and smooth transitions. These tracks contribute to the album's flow and its aim to create a cohesive listening experience.
Genre Context: Atmospheric Black Metal
Atmospheric Black Metal is a subgenre of black metal characterized by its focus on creating immersive soundscapes and evoking specific moods or natural environments. It often features longer song structures, melodic guitar lines, and less aggressive vocal styles compared to traditional black metal. Bands in this genre frequently use keyboards or other instruments to enhance the atmospheric quality.
However, some parts of the album, particularly the opening and closing tracks, feature similar musical intervals and scales. This contributes to the album's uniformity but may lead to a sense of familiarity developing quickly for some listeners.
Evaluating the Listening Experience
The enjoyment of To Carry On largely depends on listener expectations. Unlike bands such as Summoning or Obsequiae, which infuse their atmospheric music with distinct vibrancy, Morke aims for a more consistent and enveloping mood. The album does not feature many pronounced highs or lows, or moments designed to elicit strong, immediate reactions.
Instead, the album seeks to immerse the listener in a sustained atmospheric sense. It is designed to be appreciated as a complete work, where individual elements contribute to a larger, unified sound. This approach can be compared to appreciating a painting, where the overall composition and color schemes are more important than any single brushstroke.
- Summoning: Known for epic, fantasy-inspired atmospheric black metal with rich instrumentation.
- Obsequiae: Recognized for energetic riffs and medieval influences within atmospheric black metal.
- Morke: Offers a consistent, immersive atmospheric experience with less dynamic variation.
The album's consistent tonal approach may appeal to those seeking a continuous, mood-driven musical journey. For listeners who prefer more dynamic shifts or memorable individual moments, the album's uniformity might present a different challenge.
According to initial reviews, the album's strength lies in its ability to transport the listener. It creates an atmosphere of "knights and serfdom," suggesting a historical or medieval theme. This immersive quality is a key selling point for fans of the genre.
Ultimately, To Carry On offers a specific type of atmospheric experience. It prioritizes a cohesive mood over individual standout moments. The album invites listeners to engage with its overall artistic vision, much like viewing a detailed painting where the sum of its parts creates the intended effect.