The enigmatic wilderness visionaries SUNNATA, (deriving from the Sanskrit term "sunyata" meaning emptiness or void), have revealed that their highly anticipated fifth full-length album, “Chasing Shadows,” is set for self-release on May 10th. With “Chasing Shadows,” SUNNATA ventures into uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of their sonic landscape to new heights. This album represents their most intricate and multifaceted work yet, delving into the extremes and nuances of their musical essence. Each track weaves an alluring doomscape, filled with timeless and enthralling narratives.” The album has eleven songs.

“Chimera” is first. Out of the gates come psychedelic voices, combined with dissonant instruments. All the while, the vocals are added with layers, the central riff remains simple and constantly beating, slowly at first. As they sing the song title, the pace quickens, until another hardened riff takes over. Thick bass notes filter in with the fuzzy guitars, and you find yourself moving to the beat. “Torn” is another unique offering. Bass guitar carries much of the sound, together with psychoactive vocals that provide the harmony. It’s almost as if you are walking a path through the forest and your mind begins to fill with hallucinations. Are the voices you hear real?

“At Dusk” is an interlude that hints at magical things that seem to come alive when the sun retreats in the horizon. “Wishbone” has hints of darkness with smooth, fuzzy bass notes and an even-keeled sort of sound. For me, it sounds like someone who is desperate enough to try the nefarious method of getting a wish they want fulfilled, and are willing to do anything to get it. “Savior’s Raft” has more psychedelic qualities to it, especially in the vocals. The deeper into the album you go, the more you can feel yourself change. In some moments, the music is almost jovial, but it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. “Adrift” is a short reprise of that earlier heavy sound.

“The Tide” has a hypnotic sound, like you are caught in a blood ritual. It moves slowly and ceremoniously throughout its length and stays very even-keeled. “Hunger” is another slow starter that transitions to a bass led sound with more psychedelic vocals that spin with a deep craving. “Through the Abyss” is another short interlude to the final two songs. “The Sleeper” has meaty, resonating bass notes that lead the song into the trance like state of sleep. Getting there is easy, but you never know what kind of dreams you might have. The closing song is really unlike any others on the album. It has an almost playful bass sound with dissonant guitars.

Their genre is called “shamanic doom.” A shaman has access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits. Typically, such people enter a trance state during a ritual, and practice divination and healing. When you take each song separately, they present a varied sound. But when you consider the album as a whole, the pieces start to fall into place. It’s really a colossal effort on the part of the band, and the listening work won’t come easy, but with several listens, it will slowly stick to your ribs. This is definitely one of the more simulating Doom albums I have heard in a while.