Formed in
2016 in Turku, Finland, Sunniva brings
together elements of sludge, death doom, and post-metal into a dense, crushing
sound. The band’s name, drawn from Old English Sunngifu, meaning "gift of
the sun," reflects the contrast often found in their music—weight and
atmosphere, collapse and lift. Previous releases like "The Holy
Mountain" (2017), the self-titled "Sunniva" EP (2020), and the
2018 single "This Reality Only Speaks In Blood" have steadily shaped
their profile in the underground heavy music scene. Drawing inspiration from
groups such as Amenra, Neurosis, and Dark
Buddha Rising, Sunniva continues to
carve its own place with a sound that is immersive, slow-burning, and forceful.
"Hypostasis"
is a focused and cohesive work. Across its six tracks, Sunniva
builds a massive wall of sound that feels lived-in rather than
calculated. The pacing is deliberate, with long stretches of low-end weight and
sustained tension giving way to climactic surges. There’s an emphasis on
repetition, not as filler, but as a tool for creating a trance-like pull. The
instrumentation feels locked in—bass and drums heavy and unforgiving, guitars
grinding and drawn-out, and vocals raw and buried just enough to feel part of the
landscape rather than sitting on top of it.
Each track blends seamlessly into the next, creating a continuous experience. “Mercurial Bloodstreams” introduces the album with a focused intent, and the flow continues through to the closer “Hung From The Sky” without any break in atmosphere or intensity. The album doesn’t shift direction sharply or rely on contrast—it moves like a slow river, steady and pressurized. Even the shortest moments carry weight.
The
production fits the music naturally, keeping everything grounded. The mix stays
unified from start to finish, allowing the slow tempos and drawn-out structures
to keep their strength. There’s space in the sound without sounding distant. It
feels close, heavy, and personal.
"Hypostasis"
power lies in its consistency and patience. Sunniva
has made an album that stays within its world from start to finish,
without feeling stuck or repetitive. There’s confidence in its pacing and
structure. It invites immersion rather than immediate reaction.
Score: 7.4
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