From Bandcamp; "BRUME" (pronounced 'Broom') are living proof that California is not all sunshine and easy living. The San Francisco-based quartet organically blends doom metal, goth, and indie rock into a sometimes monolithic, and at other times delicate blend of heaviness that resides firmly on the darker side. I cant quite put my finger on it. Its hard to compare what "BRUME" sounds like, And that's a good thing! I can listen to this album all day. There is a sense of a Classical/Doom metal feel, and im here fo it!

"BRUME" -  "Marten" establishes their unique sonic identity. Lets get started with the first track "Marten". The song begins with the slow, brooding strings of the cello, and a melodical guitar riff that sets the stage for a mournful melody, underscored by a pulsating, rhythmic drumming that drives the song forward. The production is pristine, with every note and chord meticulously placed to enhance the atmospheric qualities of the music. The interplay between the heavy, symphonic, and the somber, haunting keyboard arrangements creates a soundscape that is as beautiful as it is bleak.

The album's centerpiece, “How Rude,” showcases "BRUME's" - "Marten" ability to blend doom metal's crushing weight with gothic elegance. The track features a melancholic vocal delivery that is both haunting and emotional, complemented by lush, layered instrumentation. The combination of clean vocals, and growling that plays with the haunging cello, adds depth and variety, making the song a standout example of the band’s dynamic range. The use of orchestral elements, such as string arrangements, further enhances the song’s dramatic effect, creating a powerful sense of hope and desolation all at the same time.

One of the many aspects of "Marten" that keeps me coming back is the immersive narrative throughout the album, drawing listeners into a world where sorrow and beauty coexist in a delicate balance. The lyrics are delivered with a sense of urgency and vulnerability that is both captivating and disquieting, ensuring that the emotional weight of the music is felt on a profound level. The production quality of the album is exemplary, with each element carefully balanced to create a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The mixing and mastering allow the intricate details of the music to shine through, whether it’s the subtle nuances of the keyboard arrangements or the powerful resonance of the guitar riffs. The result is an album that feels both expansive and intimate, drawing the listener into its shadowy embrace.

"BRUME" - "Marten’s" ability to blend darkness with beauty, heaviness with elegance, is a testament to their artistic vision and musical prowess. "The Yearn" is a journey into the depths of despair and longing, a powerful exploration of the shadows that linger at the edges of existence. For those who seek an album that is as emotionally charged as it is sonically intricate, "BRUME" - "Marten" is the way to go.

Think if "OPETH's" Clean vocals, and ballads,"TYPE O NEGATIVE's" gothy sound, and "NIGHTWISH's" lyricism all had a baby. Thats what "BRUME's - "Marten" reminds me of.