DEAD COSMONAUTS is an Atmospheric Post Metal band from the UK, and “Parasomnia” is their first album. The album has six songs, and “Liminal Space” is first. The opening tones are befuddled with feedback and a deep well of mystery. The main riff comes in and establishes a firm structure of heavy bass notes and eerie leads. Without vocals though, the song gets to explore more, and explore it does. The atmospheric elements in particular season the palate with a bit of a salt. “Beneath the Choking Sky” begins with a heavy dose of atmosphere, and the remainder of the instruments ease in slowly. The choking sky probably refers to the distorted feedback of dissonant guitar notes, because that is what they sound like.

“Kenopsia” means “the eerie, forlorn atmosphere of a place that's usually bustling with people but is now abandoned and quiet,” like a vacant school building at night. The band does a great job of matching the feelings you get with the titles of the songs, and they also vary the mood and sound throughout the album. “In Spirals it took Everything” brims with more atmosphere, and the quiet of the night sky is the backdrop. “Swallowed in Dark Waters” is a smooth and easy listening experience, but tension hangs in the background and creates that feeling of calm with heightened awareness. It moves quickly to harsher tones and heavy structures.

“A Vision from the Valley of Dry Bones” closes the album. It features some steady, heavy bass notes, and distorted fuzz from the guitars. It has more of a straightforward crunch of Metal, but also wonderful atmospheric elements. If you give it a chance, this album can vibe with the most staunch Metalhead, because it wields various shades of sonority like a wizard crafting spells. The key are the swells and retreats, as they are very well placed, and the result is an album that is vibrant, alive, contemplating, and energizing.