Norwegian band Sundrowned released their sophomore album, Higanbana, on September 26, 2025, via Fysisk Format. While the record shows a progression from their 2021 debut, Become Ethereal, by adopting a more structured post-metal approach, it struggles to deliver the emotional impact and variety expected from the genre, resulting in a soundscape that is pleasant but ultimately unmemorable.
Key Takeaways
- Sundrowned's second album, Higanbana, moves toward a more defined post-metal sound compared to the shoegaze of their debut.
- The album is criticized for its lack of emotional resonance and monotonous vocal delivery, which detracts from its overall impact.
- The track "Ilex" is highlighted as a standout for its dynamic structure and purposeful progression, unlike other songs on the record.
- Despite its atmospheric qualities, the album is described as more suitable for background listening due to a lack of substantial, engaging moments.
A Shift Toward Post-Metal Structure
Sundrowned, a band from Haugesund, Norway, has often drawn comparisons to the influential 2013 album Sunbather by Deafheaven. However, with Higanbana, the band distances itself from a direct lineage. The new album significantly reduces the aggressive elements often associated with post-black metal, favoring a cleaner, more atmospheric post-metal style similar to bands like Asthénie.
This change represents an evolution from their debut, Become Ethereal, which was characterized by a more meandering, shoegaze-influenced sound. The shift to a more defined post-metal framework on Higanbana provides a clearer structure. This benefits the album's overall cohesion and better complements the deep, growling vocal style employed throughout the record.
Background on the Album Title
The album's title, Higanbana, is the Japanese name for the red spider lily. In Japanese culture, this flower is often associated with themes of final goodbyes, death, and reincarnation. It traditionally blooms around the autumnal equinox and is linked to Buddhist legends of guiding the dead into the next life.
The Challenge of Emotional Resonance
Post-metal and shoegaze are genres that rely heavily on their ability to evoke strong emotional responses from the listener. This is an area where Higanbana falls short. While the instrumentation creates a pleasant and often soothing atmosphere, it lacks the depth and passion needed to be truly compelling. The music often feels passive rather than immersive.
"Post-metal and shoegaze are genres that live or die by their emotional resonance, and Higanbana falls short in this crucial area."
A significant factor in this emotional deficit is the vocal performance. The growls are delivered with a consistent, low intensity that feels more like an obligation to the metal genre than a genuine expression of feeling. There is little variation in pitch or power, which causes the vocals to blend into the background rather than driving the songs forward.
Homogeneity and Lack of Dynamics
One of the most notable issues with Higanbana is its homogeneity. Many of the tracks follow a similar formula, making it difficult to distinguish one from another without actively checking the title. The opening track, "Barren," serves as an accurate preview for the rest of the album; the sonic palette remains largely unchanged throughout.
The album's heavier sections often feel misplaced. On tracks like "Wisteria" and "Barren," serene and atmospheric passages are abruptly interrupted by distorted "walls of sound" that appear without a natural buildup. These transitions feel jarring rather than dynamic, disrupting the tranquil mood the band otherwise cultivates effectively.
A Singular Standout Track
The song "Ilex" is the primary exception to the album's general lack of dynamism. This track features a more purposeful and engaging structure, with a gradual buildup that feels earned. The drumming performance by G.L. Innocent is particularly noteworthy on "Ilex," providing a dynamic foundation that guides the song's progression and helps it stand apart from the rest of the album.
Final Assessment: An Atmospheric Yet Unfulfilling Listen
Ultimately, Higanbana functions best as background music. Its pleasant soundscapes and soothing tones can be calming, but it fails to reward attentive listening. The lack of memorable hooks, emotional weight, and compositional variety prevents the album from leaving a lasting impression. While it is an improvement over Sundrowned's debut in terms of structure and focus, it does not achieve the powerful, immersive experience that defines the best of the post-metal genre.
The serene moments are where Sundrowned demonstrates the most potential, but these are too often undermined by formulaic songwriting and a lack of emotional conviction. For listeners seeking a relaxing audio backdrop, Higanbana may suffice. However, for those looking for a substantial and engaging post-metal album, it is likely to feel unsubstantial and repetitive.