SUNLESS

Formed in 2015, the Minneapolis-based dissonant death metal trio SUNLESS draws influence from pioneers of extreme and dissonant metal such as Gorguts, Ulcerate, and Meshuggah, reinterpreting the sounds through an abstract lens that is all their own. Comprised of bassist Mitch Schooler (Nerves, Modulus), drummer Taylor Hamel (Aziza), and guitarist/vocalist Lucas Scott (Obsolete, Australis, Pestifere), the band features a prominent rhythm section, a scattered assortment of time signatures, interwoven and complex arrangements, and bellowing death growls, akin to the output of Artificial Brain, Baring Teeth, and Pyrrhon.

Part two of a trilogy, Ylem (2021) builds upon the concept and lyrical theme of the band's independently released debut album, Urraca (2017), by reinforcing the mysticism of the previous album while exploring new themes of displacement, fear, wonder, and transcendence. With the addition of a new drummer and an evolving approach to songwriting, SUNLESS further develops their signature sound with increasingly diverse, dense, and technical offerings. Best consumed whole, the experience of Ylem is as harrowing as it is satisfying, one rife with dissonant melodies and complex rhythmic structures, certain to leave an indelible mark on the listener's psyche.