On this atmospheric EP titled “Out Long Cursed Sleep,” Dutch symphonic metal band BLACKBRIAR seamlessly pick up where their earlier album, the excellent “A Thousand Little Deaths” (2025), left off. And that it’s no coincidence either, as these songs come from the same writing sessions, they were just left out of the album. “Out Long Cursed Sleep” was released on June 19th, 2026, via Blackbriar Music.
Clocking in at just shy of sixteen minutes and featuring only four tracks, this EP is a short and breezy affair, but with plenty of beautiful melodies and a gloomy Gothic aura. These actually seem to be trademarks of the band as they can easily conjure such a particular ambiance with their music as if they were born too late to live in the Victorian era and try to make up for that with the lyrics and the visuals, thus also enveloping and transporting the listener in their weird and wonderful world. And this feeling of stepping into a new reality is evident from the first few notes of the quasi-title track, “A Long Cursed Sleep,” whose main melody is not only enchanting but also pairs well with the riffs and orchestral arrangements. It’s such an ethereal number that is only enhanced by Zora Cock’s gorgeous vocals while the rhythm section grounds it in heavier sounds, a balance of textures and nuances that BLACKBRIAR have not just mastered but perfected.
Up next, “Apollo Never Stopped Chasing Daphne” starts on piano and vocals, but once the guitars, drums, and bass kick in, it becomes a wonderful little Gothic cut that rides high on a neat groove while the lyrics evoke an eerie sense of disquiet that the band employ to great effect here. The highlight of the EP comes with track three, “Betwixt and Between,” a deeply atmospheric and gloomy affair that reads like a dark fantasy, another thing that BLACKBRIAR absolutely excel at. Yet again, the balance between heaviness and an ethereal vibe is the main drive of this song, while Zora Cock’s seductive delivery is the song’s (and honesty, the EP’s) focal point. Finally, “A Thousand Anemones,” being a rather heavy yet cinematic track, was released as a single some time ago alongside a very intriguing video that brings the dramatic lyrics to life. The haunting vocals add a sense of gravitas to the fold, while the earworm chorus will burrow deep.
As per usual, BLACBRIAR continue to expand and consolidate not just their musical DNA but also their aesthetic and sonic universe with yet another solid release as a Victorian ambiance meshes rather well with their brand of symphonic/Gothic metal. I am always mesmerized by their dark and somber fairytales, and “Our Long Cursed Sleep” has satisfied that craving wonderfully as this short offering embodies everything that has made the band such a fascinating and refreshing apparition on the metal scene. Highly recommend the EP and the band to everyone looking for something enthralling yet with an ominous edge to it.
Written by Andrea Crow
Tracklist
01. A Long Cursed Sleep
02. Apollo Never Stopped Chasing Daphne
03. Betwixt and Between
04. A Thousand Anemones
Lineup
Zora Cock – Vocals
René Boxem – Drums
Bart Winters – Guitars
Robin Koezen – Guitars
Ruben Wijga – Keys
Label
Blackbriar Music
