“Sorrowbreaker” is the latest self-released effort from Finnish modern melodic metal band CRIMSON SUN, out on September 20th, 2024. This album marks a noticeable shift from their earlier work, embracing an upbeat vibe without compromising on heaviness. The uplifting lyrical themes focus on living in the moment and enjoying life, making “Sorrowbreaker” an inspiring listen for those gloomy fall days. With one tight track after another, the album builds a rebellious, rousing atmosphere that’s sure to put a big smile on your face.
The album kicks off with the power metal-esque track “The Mark Stays On.” Lead vocalist Sini Seppälä‘s soaring vocals immediately grab your attention, while the intricate guitar work of Joni Junnila adds layers of depth to the music. The rhythm section, featuring Jukka Jauhiainen on bass and Antti Rantavuo on drums, provides a solid foundation for the band’s sound. The band seems perfectly attuned to each other, with Miikka Hujanen’s bright, dynamic keyboards serving as the cherry on top of this silky-smooth track.
One of the standout tracks on the album is the ’80s-inspired “Neon Lights,” which showcases Seppälä‘s emotive vocals and the band’s ability to create a captivating atmosphere. The song builds to a powerful crescendo, with Junnila‘s guitar solo soaring over the driving rhythm section. Another highlight is the title track, “Sorrowbreaker,” a more aggressive piece featuring a catchy chorus and driving energy that will have you headbanging in no time. The band’s songwriting shines here, with each member contributing to the overall sound, making it an exceptional moment on the album.
Top-notch production by Saku Moilanen, Christoffer Tsjerne, and Jacob Hansen elevates this record to new heights. Their efforts shaped the end result into something more polished than ever. Steering toward the direction of bands like AMARANTHE, the blend of melodic metal with hints of electronica and pop works exceptionally well for a broad audience. With catchy anthems like “The Tide” and “Strive,” this album is sure to be a hit on stage. The final track, “Sylvan,” beautifully closes “Sorrowbreaker” with a surge of emotion and grace.
Overall, “Sorrowbreaker” is an absolute powerhouse of an album, delivering a masterclass in modern metal. From start to finish, it showcases CRIMSON SUN‘s talent and versatility as a band. Their ability to blend melody with heaviness is fully on display, resulting in an album with wide-ranging appeal. With superb musicianship and memorable songwriting, CRIMSON SUN has crafted a must-listen record that will have you hitting repeat again and again.
Tracklist
1. The Mark Stays On
2. Strive
3. Retrospectator
4. Sailing Home
5. Nightsky
6. Sorrowbreaker
7. Aluminum Crown
8. Neon Lights
9. The Tide
10. Sylvan
Lineup
Sini Seppälä – Vocals
Joni Junnila – Guitar
Jukka Jauhiainen – Bass
Miika Hujanen – Keyboards
Antti Rantavuo – Drums
Label
Independent