The Prague-based band Sukkhu, active since 2019, released a new album in February. Additionally, since 2024, they have a new vocalist replacing their original singer, Morgause. With 18-year-old Maania as their new frontwoman, the band immediately showcases her versatility on this album.
While their previous album, Labyrinths, was released by the Swedish label Nigredo Records, this time they opted for an independent release—once again on CD, but under their own management.
Another detail that makes this band stand out is the presence of a dedicated timpani player—not just for embellishment, but as a full-fledged member who also performs live. While timpani are occasionally used on Black Metal albums, I have never seen or heard them utilized on this scale before.
Before diving into the album, I want to highlight the variations in Maania’s vocals. From deep Death Metal grunts to eerie shrieks and clean singing—she masters them all. The way they are incorporated into the songs may feel a bit unusual at times, but she certainly pulls it off. This also adds a good amount of variety to the tracks, which benefits the overall sound.
However, one thing I really miss is a rhythm guitar. That extra layer of depth it would provide could have added an entirely new dimension to the album. Because most of the playing is in a tremolo style, it sometimes sounds a bit too thin.
Sukkhu manages to deliver some very strong Black Metal tracks on this album, occasionally infused with progressive influences. Songs like Clamor Flammae and Shadows of Madnessstand out a bit above the rest, but the production makes everything feel somewhat flat, lacking depth in the sound.
I miss the grittiness and rawness that would have suited this perfectly, but there is definitely something here that appeals to me.
75/100
Sukkhu:
Bancamp
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