The Bleak Picture to Release Debut EP Songs of Longing Dec. 2
This kind of misery just feels like home. Taking elements of classic death-doom and goth, I’m not sure I’d call Finnish two-piece The Bleak Picture innovative on their debut EP, Songs of Longing, but as an initial demonstration of intent, the atmosphere and emotive sense of drudge are unmistakable. Though a newcomer outfit in the post-pandemic vein of prior-established artists exploring new creative avenues, the duo of multi-instrumentalist Jussi Hänninen and vocalist Tero Ruohonen are obviously schooled in the vibe they’re creating, and even the coffins on the cover of the four-song outing has just an edge of dry-tongue-in-cheek to it that feels like an appropriately over the top bit of humor, whether it was intended as one or not. In any case, it is a suitably bleak picture.
Songs of Longing is out Dec. 2 on Alone Records, and the leadoff track is streaming at the bottom of this post. Preorders are a thing that exist.
The PR wire reminds of that and has more info on the project and release:
THE BLEAK PICTURE: Finnish Duo Formed By Fall Of The Leafe And Autumnfall Members To Release Songs Of Longing EP Through Alone Records + Preorders Posted
Alone Records presents a deluxe vinyl version of Songs Of Longing, the debut EP by Finnish duo THE BLEAK PICTURE.
A place where Finnish death/doom meets with England gothic rock formed following the no wave movement is the point of departure of the jaw dropping debut EP from THE BLEAK PICTURE, Songs Of Longing.
Jussi Hänninen of missed cult act Fall Of The Leafe joins with Tero Ruohonen of Autumnfall in this absolutely must-hear act for fans of the genre that looks for something distinct without losing the essence. Even as this music is rooted in the old-school it’s not simply a rehashing of the past, but a new beginning. Looking towards the future without forgetting the past, THE BLEAK PICTURE is a coin with two equal sides that point your destiny underground.
A perfect mix of early Katatonia constructed by the lightning feeling of superb melodies of the keyboards and guitars sharp enough to cut permafrost. Mid-paced tempos with groovy keyboards in the same vein of Joy Division, Bauhaus, or Fields Of The Nephilim. It’s all met with a mix of vocal styles, with growls in the vein of Officium Triste mixed with clear passages drenched in anguish.
Self-recorded by Hänninen and Ruohonen, with session drummer Anssi Ikonen’s material recorded at Lucifuge Studio by Danil Venho, Songs Of Longing was mixed at DTT Äänitys by Danil Venha, mastered by Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Bloodbath) at Unisound AB, and completed with cover artwork photography by Tero Ruohonen.
Alone Records presents the album in physical incarnations, with 300 copies on Clear 12” vinyl as well as on CD, set for release on December 2nd.
Songs Of Longing Track Listing:
1. The Dead Beginners
2. Absence of Light
3. Tragedy’s Own
4. Broken Statues
THE BLEAK PICTURE:
Jussi Hänninen – guitars, bass, synths
Tero Ruohonen – vocals
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