Album Review: Soreeyes – Sleep Waves (Morbid And Miserable Records)

Based out of Toledo, Ohio, Soreeyes is a new one-woman blackgaze/post-metal project that melts black metal, shoegaze, and post-hardcore influences into an emotional maelstrom. Sleep Waves comes following the release of the non-album single Reform last winter.

The six tracks on this album explore experiences with self-harm, addiction, abuse, and death. Sleep Waves is available digitally now with CDs being released by Morbid and Miserable Records on October 15th, 2021.

A tear-jerking and emotional ride, Sleep Waves is an affecting and emotive blackgaze/post-metal release. The work of one woman, Sleep Waves is a staggering achievement considering the amount of detail in each of the 6 tracks. From the moving melodies of Drenched, where pained screams and howls echo wildly in the gloom. To the rocking guitar sound of Dead Before Living and the black metal ferocity of Low. The first half of the Sleep Waves stacks up against the glut of other bands and projects in this style.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu26jtCVi_E

Beside Me, the shortest track, is also the most melodramatic and heart-wrenching. The low and slow melody, the soft singing and background effects really punches the soul. Before Rainy Days and the title track finish up the second half of the album. The former, a personal favourite as the rhythm of the guitars infects the senses. The echoing vocal roars drift over the mind like a wind and the melody just sounds so damn poignant.

The latter, the finale, is quite a bit different though. A mess of noise and effects to make you feel wholly uncomfortable. Yet, it is surprisingly addictive too.

What an accomplishment this album is. Unique but familiar, earnest but cold, sensitive and harsh.

Soreeyes – Sleep Waves Full Track Listing:

1. Drenched
2. Dead Before Living
3. Low
4. Beside Me
5. Rainy Days
6. Sleep Waves

Links

Bandcamp | YouTube | Morbid and Miserable Records