It’s difficult to find security in bands these days. At least half of the bands I look forward to seeing releases from take a turn for the worst at some point. So far Sweden’s Draconian only stay steady if not get better with each album. For those familiar with Arcane Rain Fell and Where Lovers Mourn, Turning Seasons Within is exactly what we want from these sorrowful storytellers.

Draconian is a criminally underrated band that plays melodic/ epic/ doom/ gothic/ death metal with a very majestic and mournful backbone. Female vocals have become a leading factor in the bands music, trading with harsh male growls, creating a full on soul purging catharsis that is leading in this genre. After listening to Turning Season Within it is evident that Draconian are masters at their art and can paint a dark and dingy landscape like no other.

The music is relatively simple. Though the songwriting is top quality, the riffs are normally lucid yet undeniably effective. Turning Season Within has a romantic and theatrical feel to it with its big sound and awesome production. This is music I really like. It’s so sad and emotional that its epic within itself. It also sounds truly honest and after so many releases to back their career up, it obviously comes natural. This band could do a Pink Floyd and create an entire movie out of any of their releases. Turning Season Within is no exception and I do believe they have reached that one perfect album they have been searching for.

The only major change here is the way the band modernized their sound. Where past releases treaded on operatic and ancient tones, this bad boy has a sound for the day, kind of like Lacuna Coil stripped of all they loved and seeking vengeance. That is a very good thing for the band as I see a new fan base opening up for them.

Track four “Not Breathing” is one classic Draconian song and it is very reminiscent of “Daylight Misery” off of Arcane Rain Fell. One thing I love about this band is how powerful and clear Anders Jacobssons voice is. He can bellow out single words overtop of strategically placed chords that make you raise your fist in triumphant agony. Along with way more female vocals delivered by the gorgeous Lisa Johansson, I found myself rewinding on several occasions just to grasp the emotion some of these structures evoke. Johan Ericson is a reliable guitar player if you like his style. The same feel that you hear on previous albums flourish Turning Season Within.

All in all, this is another great release from Draconian and it stands pretty high on this years list. After a rather disappointing The Burning Halo, which contained the dreaded cover tunes, Turning Season Within is exactly what I want to hear out of this band.

[Visit the band's website]

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