Album Review: An Abstract Illusion - The Sleeping City
Reviewed by Rich Oliver
Following up a critically acclaimed album is no mean feat but Swedish extreme progressive metallers An Abstract Illusion are releasing their third album “The Sleeping City”. Their previous album “Foe” was a colossal and jaw dropping masterpiece and received universal praise topping many end of album year lists in 2022 so the expectation to meet or even surpass that must weigh heavily on the shoulders of An Abstract Illusion.
If you are looking for simply a continuation of “Woe” then they may be disappointed by “The Sleeping City” but if you are looking for a bold and varied mix of black, death and progressive metal with some interesting new sounds then this album will 100% appeal. The band have dubbed this their most atmospheric and heaviest work to date and it is hard to argue with that statement as this is a far less catchy album than “Foe” with a greater emphasis on soundscapes and mood and with a heavy use of synthesisers which matches the dystopian sci-fi theme that the band have aimed for on this release. The atmosphere can very much be heard on album opener ‘Blackmurmur’ with the liberal use of proggy synths whilst the heaviness is delivered in spadefuls on the crushing ‘Like A Geyser Ever Erupting’. The band’s progressive and melodic side comes to the fore in the luscious ‘Frost Flower’ which sees some of the most impressive clean vocals from Robert Stenvall whilst his sublime keyboard playing is really showcased on the instrumental ‘Silverfield’. The album ends in fine form with the title track which mixes all of the best elements of the band together in one 11 minute epic from ferocity and aggression to atmosphere and epic soundscapes.
The band’s performances are superb throughout from the stunning guitar solos from Karl Westerlund, the furious drumming from Isak Nilsson to the guttural growls and unhinged screams from frontman Christian Berglönn as well as the aforementioned keyboard pyrotechnics and clean vocals from Robert Stenvall. Everything also sounds utterly fantastic with mixing and mastering by Robin Leijon.
An Abstract Illusion could have just played it safe and released “Foe” Pt. 2 but instead have pushed themselves and their sound forward with an album that is far more of a slow burn listen and is not as grabbing and immediate as previous work. This can work to the advantage of listeners who fully invest themselves in an album but it may cause issues for casual listeners. But then again progressive metal isn’t catered to a casual listener and especially a band like An Abstract Illusion. If you are willing to invest the time and concentration into “The Sleeping City" then you will definitely be rewarded with another masterclass in progressive metal. If you are a fan of progressive black and death metal andneed that old school Opeth scratch itched then this is the album to do it.
