Before kicking this review off, I’d like to say how happy I am to finally sit down and listen to this album. This is one of my final reviews covering the 2024 releases from Immortal Frost Productions.

I purposely avoided listening to this record beforehand, as I enjoy experiencing an album for the first time while writing—pausing at moments that stand out. I find this approach keeps things fresh, and that’s why I’m especially excited to finally get to the Psychonaut 4 review. This band is one of the label’s most heavily promoted acts, and I’ve seen nothing but positive energy surrounding them.

While I won’t go over every single track, I’ll highlight some of my favorite moments and key highlights.

Track 1

The opening segment was pretty special. The acoustic guitar gave me western vibes, painting images of a desolate desert with a lone cowboy riding through the wasteland. The addition of the female weeping/crying layered a subtle but powerful depth, further enhancing the imagery.

I’m a massive fan of bands that begin their albums with a strong auditory introduction—it immediately sets the tone and draws me into the world they’re creating. From this moment, Psychonaut 4 had me completely gripped.

Track 2

Wow! Within the first seven seconds of this track, I literally said that word out loud. The guitar tones are alluring and sharp, with the tremolo-picked melody blending seamlessly with anguished male and female screams/shouts.

Around the 1:45 mark, the drums shift into a more tom-driven section that feels tribal and perfectly suited to the mood. Shortly after, the male vocals come in strong—I only wish I understood the lyrics, but the emotion still cuts through.

At 4:50, the track unleashes what I’d call “headbang fuel.” The guitar tone shifts into something more forceful, hammering out power chords in repetition and building tension. A sudden vocal outcry launches the song into a tight, pounding 4/4 beat, perfect for headbanging. The anguished vocals return, paired with soaring high-string guitar melodies that sound absolutely brilliant. As a first-time listener, I can already tell this band delivers material that leaves a lasting mark.

Track 4

Right from the opening, I was struck by the clarity of the production. The chord progression is precise and catchy, and the layered clean vocals from both male and female voices create a beautifully textured soundscape.

At 5:51, the guitars, drums, and vocals fall away, leaving a passage of tuned acoustic guitars weaving bittersweet melodies. The return of the electric guitar in the closing section—with a stunning rock-inspired solo—felt incredibly uplifting. This solo, in particular, showcases the guitarist’s ability to craft emotional, memorable leads that genuinely stay with the listener.

Track 6

This track immediately stood out because of the drums. The simplicity of the ride, kick, and snare pattern is executed perfectly, with just the right energy. The guitar layered over it is probably the most foreboding on the album, evoking a deep sadness—proof of the band’s ability to shift emotions through their music.

The atmosphere here could easily fit into a black-and-white horror film. The vocals are raw and mournful, sounding like genuine grief. Later, the track shifts suddenly from sorrow into heavy, chunky black-metal riffs. The drums rise in volume—not speed—perfectly complementing the new intensity.

At 3:43, my personal favorite chord progression appears, meaty and dripping with atmosphere. This closing track might just hold the most emotional weight on the album.

Overview

As a first-time listener of Psychonaut 4, I can confidently say I was thoroughly impressed with …Of Mourning. The band excels at building soundscapes layered with emotion. The vocal harmonies between male and female voices are incredible, the guitars intricate, and the solos breathtaking. The drums have a distinct edge, with clever tom usage in the heavier moments.

I’m happy to give this album a strong 9/10. Psychonaut 4 is definitely a band I’ll be following closely from now on.

—BlackenedSoundscape