The Howling Void – Into Darkness Ever More Profound

The Howling Void, the one-man project of Ryan Wilson, returns in 2023 with “Into Darkness Ever More Profound,” their eighth foray into the realm of funeral doom. This genre is known for its glacial tempos, crushing riffs, and oppressive atmosphere, and The Howling Void embraces these elements wholeheartedly. Let’s embark on this melancholic journey, track by track:

• Entrance: A haunting soundscape sets the mood, with layers of keyboards, ethereal drones, and distant whispers creating a sense of desolation and despair.
• Into Darkness Ever More Profound: The album title track explodes with a crushing riff that sets the pace for the entire record. Wilson’s vocals are a cavernous growl, perfectly embodying the album’s themes of loss and existential dread. The song builds slowly, punctuated by moments of melancholic beauty.
• Impenetrable Gloom: A shift in mood arrives with this track. The tempo slows to a crawl, and clean guitars introduce a more introspective and sorrowful atmosphere. Wilson’s vocals take on a mournful quality, adding an emotional depth to the oppressive soundscape.
• Deeper, Darker Waters: This track features a more dynamic approach. Soaring clean vocals and a sense of melancholic melody provide a welcome contrast to the album’s overall heaviness. The song builds to a powerful climax before fading back into the abyss.
• The End of Endings: The album concludes with an epic closer. The song incorporates elements from all the preceding tracks – crushing riffs, haunting melodies, and a sense of finality. The slow fade-out leaves the listener with a lingering sense of melancholy.

The Howling Void – Into Darkness Ever More Profound is a masterclass in atmosphere. The album creates a truly immersive experience, drawing the listener into its world of despair and darkness. Wilson’s songwriting is expertly crafted, with each track adding a new layer to the overall emotional tapestry.

However, the album’s strengths can also be its weaknesses. The glacial tempos and relentless focus on atmosphere might be too much for some listeners. The album requires patience and a willingness to be enveloped by its sonic gloom.

Overall Score: 4 out of 5

For fans of funeral doom, “Into Darkness Ever More Profound” is a must-have. The album showcases the genre’s potential for emotional depth and sonic exploration. For those new to funeral doom, this album serves as a solid introduction, showcasing the genre’s beauty and power in its purest form.