heavy-metal-darkness: Sakna | De Syv Dødssynder

Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Sakna | De Syv Dødssynder | Hypaethral Records

Release Date: October 31, 2025

Format: CD (Ltd. 300), Vinyl, Digital

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal, DSBM

Country: Canada

Sakna is the creation of the late Canadian multi-instrumentalist Solemn, a one-man force behind some of the most intricate atmospheric black metal compositions to emerge from the post-second wave era. Starting at just 14, Solemn developed a style merging epic Sognametal, emotive atmospheric black metal, DSBM, funeral doom, neo-folk, and dark ambient. After years of obscurity, his brother S. of Lunedi unearthed these recordings, overseeing their careful mixing and mastering, bringing them to light nearly two decades after their creation. “De Syv Dødssynder” stands as Solemn’s singular full-length legacy, a deeply layered work inspired by Dante’s “The Divine Comedy”, revealing the scope of his vision and talent.

“De Syv Dødssynder” is an album that demands attention simply through its presence. Sakna’s world is vast and immersive, stretching across layers of emotion and melody that feel carefully considered, never rushed. The music is epic without grandstanding, blending soaring passages and quieter, contemplative moments seamlessly. Vocals alternate between anguished cries and melodic lines, threading through compositions that range from intimate reflections to grand, almost cinematic movements.

The influence of Windir is clear, yet there’s a distinct voice here. There’s a natural evolution from atmospheric black metal into more expansive territory, with undertones of doom and neo-folk that add depth without complicating the listening experience. The songs bear significance, moving from one emotional landscape to another, with each section unfolding in a way that invites repeated listens. Even the longer tracks remain compelling, holding attention through subtle shifts and intricate layering.

Bonus tracks enrich the album further, offering glimpses into different aspects of Sakna’s range, from haunting interpretations to contemplative melodies. There’s an authenticity to the work that resonates a personal journey captured across years of careful creation. It’s easy to imagine why this music maintained a cult following even before its official release. This album is not just a posthumous release; it’s a window into a creative mind that matured far too quickly and ended far too soon. It’s accessible enough for fans of epic black metal while retaining enough intricacy to reward deeper exploration.

Score: 8.5