Rating: 8 / 10 Stars
HANGING GARDEN is: Mikko Kolari (guitars), Jussi Hämäläinen (guitars, backing vocals), Kimmo Tukiainen (guitars), Nino Hynninen (synths), Jussi Kirves (bass, moog), Antti Ruokola (drums, programming), Riikka Hatakka (vocals), Toni Hatakka (vocals)
REVIEW – Finnish gothic doom visionaries HANGING GARDEN return with their latest offering, The Unending, a four-track EP set for release on March 14, 2025, via Agonia Records. Acting as a bridge between their 2023 album The Garden and their upcoming full-length release, The Unending presents a haunting, immersive experience that delves into themes of perseverance, the occult, and humanity’s quest to reconnect with nature’s untamed forces. With their signature interplay between light and darkness, serenity and ferocity, HANGING GARDEN once again create an atmosphere steeped in melancholy and depth.
Opening with “To Seize the Night,” the EP begins with a slow-burning intensity, gradually building layers of melody and despair. The track’s hypnotic guitars, ethereal synths, and dynamic shifts in atmosphere make for an enthralling introduction. “The Passage” follows, blending haunting vocal harmonies with pulsating rhythms, offering a somber yet powerful journey through emotional landscapes.
“Morgan’s Trail” leans into the band’s melodic side, weaving delicate instrumentation with haunting vocal interplay, while “The First Sunrise” stands as a majestic closer, its soaring crescendos and emotive delivery leaving an unforgettable imprint on the listener. As the lead single, it encapsulates the EP’s overarching themes, delivering a balance of raw emotion and intricate musical craftsmanship.
With The Unending, HANGING GARDEN continue their evolution, blending gothic, doom, and death metal elements into a refined and evocative sonic experience. The EP showcases their ability to balance aggression with melancholic beauty, appealing to fans of Swallow the Sun, Ghost Brigade, Katatonia, and Type O Negative. This is a mesmerizing, thought-provoking release that demands full immersion.
For more information on HANGING GARDEN, visit:
www.Hanging-Garden.org
www.Facebook.com/HangingGardenOfficial
www.Instagram.com/HangingGrdn
www.Spotify.com/Artist/HangingGarden