In Worried I - Futurism, Rasmus Ejlersen’s atmospheric black metal project Udånde captures a stark vision of humanity’s stasis in a world that keeps shifting forward. Known for blending sweeping soundscapes with unfiltered intensity, Ejlersen’s latest release explores contrasts: it’s harsh yet melodic, bleak yet expansive. Atmospheric black metal often leans into existential themes, but this EP feels distinctly unsettling, as though you’re being shown a landscape where progress has stalled.
From the start, Worried I - Futurism immerses you in layered guitars that swing between dissonant riffs and more mournful, melodic passages. The guitar tones stretch across what feels like an endless, post-apocalyptic horizon, giving the music a kind of sweeping, cinematic feel. The production is raw yet focused, letting each layer breathe while maintaining a restless energy. Ejlersen’s guitar work pulses with emotion that feels real, sidestepping any sense of melodrama.
Vocally, Ejlersen’s delivery feels distant and almost haunted, more like part of the foggy atmosphere than a focal point. His voice has an exhausted, worn-down quality, echoing the EP’s themes of frustration and disillusionment. It’s a restrained yet powerful effect, adding to the album’s desolate feel.
The EP also shines in its pacing. The transitions are seamless, with quieter moments pulling you in deeper. When the full intensity returns, it’s genuinely impactful - a reminder of the genre’s emotional depth when it’s done thoughtfully.
Fans of atmospheric black metal will recognize familiar elements here, and likely find Worried I - Futurism a satisfying listen from start to finish. That said, the EP doesn’t venture into new territory.
Overall, Worried I - Futurism adds another compelling chapter to Udånde’s discography. It’s not an album that shouts for attention, but one that invites listeners to sink in and feel its weight. With themes as much societal as personal, the EP lingers long after it’s over, like the echo of a question humanity still hasn’t managed to answer.
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Thanks to Grand Sounds PR.