Sundowning announce new record in ten years, In the Light of Defeat, I Cease to Exist, out on March 25th via Isolation Records

Ten years after releasing their debut Seizures of the World, Germany’s acclaimed atmospheric post-metal outfit Sundowning have returned with a new record. Founded in May 2009 by lead vocalist and guitarist Christoph Wietzorek, Sundowning has evolved into a solid institution within the European Metal scene over the years, though after several tours and releases, the members focused on other personal projects and took a hiatus in 2014. Now, Sundowning have returned with their first new output in a decade, In The Light Of Defeat, I Cease To Exist, a record that humbly came to life by an intimate and honest conversation between friends, and with a new understanding of the same musical vision that they shared all along. While Sunn O))), Cult Of Luna and Amenra are still very recognizable influences, this new record is a much more independent and less constricted work than the earlier releases of the band; the soundscape is more consciously chosen and benefits from the individually acquired musical skills of each member, wind instruments now support heavy, pressing guitar riffs. String sections underline choral, perpetuating vocals, while samples and electronic sounds provide necessary contrast.

The theme of In The Light Of Defeat, I Cease To Exist is more centered and visible: the record continues the narrative of Seizures Of The World and tells us about moments of failure, human weaknesses und unfulfilled longing and hope. Mercilessly, the conflict of living in a steady discrepancy of intention and feasibility is discussed and the adaption to these circumstances is disputed. The blunt honesty of the lyrics is the product of a matured and naturally grown intimacy within the band, that always infused the process that is Sundowning.  Written and composed by Sundowning, consisting of Christoph Wietzorek, Pascal Thönnißen, Markus Uhle and Sebastian Busch, the record was recorded and mixed by Nikita Kamprad (Der Weg Einer Freiheit) inside the studios of Ghost City Recordings, in the summer of 2021. Mastered by acclaimed audio engineer Seth Manchester at Machines With Magnets, the record also features tremendous contributions and content provided by Full Of Hell’s own Dylan Walker on the song “Imminent Ache”. This record could not have been made in any other constellation.

In The Light Of Defeat, I Cease To Exist will be released on March 25th via Isolation Records. Physical and digital pre-orders are now available here.

Photo credit: Pascal Thönnißen