Swallow the Sun's Lumina Aurea

Mors fortior quam vita est, amor fortior quam mors est.

Released under the credo Death is stronger than life but love is stronger than death on the longest night of the year, Swallow the Sun's Lumina Aurea is probably the most bleak, experimental and mysterious track the band has ever released. Inspired by the tragic death of South African singer Aleah Liane Stanbridge and the months of suffering that followed, guitarist and band leader Juha Raivio has apparently struggled overcoming this tragic event until today. Trees of Eternity's sorrowful debut was released as her swansong a few months after her death. Juha Raivio's new atmospheric doom metal band Hallatar was also partially inspired by the sinister events. Juha Raivio might also be working on what was supposed to become Aleah Liane Stanbridge's solo album. The tragic circumstances have now also had an impact on Swallow the Sun. It might help overcome such a tragic event with the magic of musical projects and the final results are certainly very profound. However, one can't help but feel sorry and even sad for the Finnish musician.

When bands release a single a few months before the next studio album, the release usually has the purpose to represent and promote the full length effort. That certainly isn't the case here. This single isn't even included on the upcoming album. The song sounds very different from anything the band has ever recorded. Upcoming record When a Shadow Is Forced into the Light is supposed to promote a positive message while Lumina Aurea explores the darkest depths of the human soul. Here is hope that Juha Raivio can finally close this bleak chapter and find peace of mind with the release of the new studio record in about one month.

The epic title song is essentially a plodding ambient track with minimalist instrumental work, modestly employed horn and percussion sounds by Einar Selvik and Latin poetry recitation by The Foreshadowing's singer Marco Benevento. The track is supported by a stunning music video shot in and around Lapland that deals with topics such as death, loneliness and pain in visually impressive images. The song doesn't have anything to do with Swallow the Sun's funeral doom metal style except for its gripping atmosphere.

Reactions to this release have been quite controversial. Some people understand the circumstances regarding the release, respect the band leader's necessity to free his soul from his inner demons and hail the song's profound atmosphere. Others claim the track doesn't vary enough, overstays its welcome and shouldn't have been released as a Swallow the Sun track.

The song is probably best enjoyed in small doses. It's an atmospheric, meaningful and surprising piece of music and soul striptease that is worth your attention, money and respect. However, it's obviously tough to digest and shouldn't be listened to by anyone who is feeling uneasy, depressive or suicidal.

It's incredibly tough to even rate this song. If you have any form of empathy, your evaluation should be positive. Giving a song with so much negative energy a perfect rating would however also feel inappropriate. Ultimately, Swallow the Sun's Lumina Aurea is great for what it is but should be listened to with care.