Copenhagen-based FEATHER MOUNTAIN returns in 2025 with the album "A Liminal Step." The album revolves around psychological vulnerability expressed through progressive metal, electronic avant-garde, and inspiration from the world of tarot cards. In the world of tarot, "The Fool" is a dreamy character at the beginning of a meaningful journey. In the same way, the band takes a musical step into the unknown through "A Liminal Step," and the listener is invited to fall with the band into an abyss. An abyss where traumas dominate and societal structures seem crippling. Each song is part of the albums' red thread, and they lead the listener through a musical wilderness in their search for meaning. On the album, an underlying realization emerges, that we are all on a journey toward understanding and self-acceptance, and "A Liminal Step" becomes a magical antidote in a world full of chaos.

The album has eight songs, and "Sigil" is first. The vocals are solemn, smooth, and gentle, but the music quickly develops a harder end. You can hear the Progressive elements for sure. The chorus is full of harmonies and melodies, and there is also a Djent passage after the second chorus that is loaded with the buzz of electronica and some serious instrumental dexterity. "Rope Me In" is totally different. Opening with an electronic beat, the tones are warm and comforting. Although some of the instruments create a hardened edge, the warmness of the vocals carries you through. This song is catchy and memorable, but the dark, harsh passage at the end shows the band's more dangerous side.

"Lantern" is melancholy, and the title is the image that I get while I listen. A lantern will only light a small part of the room and an even smaller part of the night sky, and there remains a lot you can't see. The vocals are emotional, and the weighted side of the music portrays the gravity. The song is bursting with melody and it spills out all over the edges. "Realignment" is a shorter song that connects the first half of the tale with the list. It is dreamy, ethereal, and very easy on the ears, although there is still a grey sky hanging above. "Prayer Wall" hears the sonority come roaring back with haste and purpose. The vocals are smooth once again, but the heavy guitar passages remind you that not all the grass is greener on the other side. Strong emotions are definitely one thing that I get out of the music. The ending sequence is like a cleansing rain after a nasty storm.

"The Grid" is another short song, asking you to just keep moving forward, and trust the process. It doesn't put an end to the uncertainty of the album yet. "Sunder" has heavier and harsher tones. The guitar work is excellent, and if you follow each turn, they lead to unexpected places. The vocals are fully stocked with harmony and emotion, and there are even some mellow keyboards that help the sound be as fully alive as it is. "The Hedonist" closes the album. It is defined as "a person who believes that the pursuit of pleasure is the most important thing in life." I would have to agree with his, although the harsh nature of the song doesn't coincide with the title, unless you count him screaming his beliefs at the top of his lungs to all of the mountains and hilltops.

This was an excellent album, with a varied approach to each song. The band are consummate musicians, and they hit every nuance and nook and cranny in the music with impeccable timing, The music sometimes took unexpected turns at times, but always kept me engaged. I can't help think more about how they described the album…"a magical antidote in a world full of chaos," because that's how the sound came across for me.