Majorcan doom/death metal outfit Helevorn returns with Espectres, an album that marks a significant evolution in their sound while staying true to the band’s dark, emotive core. Drawing from the philosophical writings of Jacques Derrida and Mark Fisher, the band taps into the concept of hauntology, reflecting on lost futures and spectral presences—ideas perfectly suited for doom metal’s melancholic resonance. With lineup changes and fresh input from guitarist Alex Correa, the record offers a raw yet refined approach, intertwining old-school doom with nuanced modernity.

The album kicks off with Inherit the Stars, a track that pulls no punches after a gentle intro. Sandro Vizcaino and Correa’s guitars stretch across a massive, sorrowful soundscape, while vocalist Josep Brunet delivers an aching performance, his voice brimming with gravitas. The track’s melancholic beauty feels almost orchestral, a showcase of Helevorn’s mastery in drawing profound emotion from minimalist compositions.

In The Defiant God, the band’s doom credentials are further solidified. Here, Brunet continues to assert himself as one of doom/death’s premier vocalists, his delivery sitting somewhere between reverence and rage. As the track builds in intensity towards its climax, it’s impossible not to be swept up by its sheer force—a standout moment on an album full of them.

Signals shifts the tone, its jaunty keyboard intro contrasting the doom-laden undercurrents that soon follow. Jose Rubio Rodriguez‘s bass keeps things grounded as the band deftly melds gothic touches with their signature doom sound. The guitar solo by Biel Gaya is a high point, adding texture without overshadowing the track’s inherent darkness.

When Nothing Shudders offers a glimpse into the future of Helevorn. This track straddles the line between doom and more accessible, melodic structures, hinting at a possible new direction for the band. The stadium-metal inspired middle section provides a much-needed burst of energy, making this one of the more dynamic tracks on Espectres. If Helevorn continues down this path, they could well bridge the gap between underground cult status and mainstream recognition.

The band revisits familiar territory with Unbreakable Silence,  a haunting piece inspired by the late Mark Fisher. The themes of mental illness and societal collapse are given weight through Brunet’s mournful vocals and the track’s oppressive atmosphere. As one of the closest pieces to their previous work on Aamamata, it serves as a reminder of what makes Helevorn special—an ability to juxtapose despair with a strange, hopeful beauty.

L’Endemà, sung in Catalan, is a breath of fresh air, thanks in no small part to the guest vocals of Inez Gonzalez. The song’s heavy riffage and atmospheric keys underpin a vocal performance that feels both personal and profound. There’s a rawness to Brunet’s delivery here, as if his native tongue allows him to channel even deeper emotions.

As the album winds down, The Lost Futures  and Children of the Sunrise  maintain the record’s oppressive mood. The former is a methodical, almost torturous doom assault, while the latter begins with a gentle piano before erupting into a funeral march of riffs. Both tracks highlight Helevorn’s uncanny ability to keep listeners on edge, with just enough variation to avoid monotony.

In essence, Espectres doesn’t reinvent the doom/death wheel, but it doesn’t need to. What it does is push the boundaries of the genre with subtle experimentation, emotive songwriting, and a deep understanding of the human condition. Helevorn has crafted an album that is both introspective and outwardly forceful, making it a vital listen for any fan of doom in 2024.

For a band that has embraced the Mediterranean doom tag, Espectres shows them expanding beyond those confines, while still staying rooted in the desolation and beauty that has defined their career.

Espectres releases on September 13th.