From Bandcamp, “Founded in the early ‘90s by former EMPEROR bassist Tchort, the Norwegian act quickly amassed a cult following thanks to one of the most ambitious epics in metal history. Even before going on hiatus during the mid-2000s, the ever-evolving auteurs still flashed a flare for the dramatic by performing their acoustic verses underneath a mountain dam. However, there was one tale — or three, to be exact — that continued to elude them. Until now. With the “A Dark Poem” trilogy starting now, GREEN CARNATION finally unveil their masterpiece. The idea for an album trilogy stems from GREEN CARNATION’s earliest yesteryears, but the first part of “A Dark Poem” cites various passages from across their illustrious cannon.”

The album has six songs, and “As Silence Took You” is first. The opening tones are slow, sludgy, and thick bass notes hold down the bottom end. The vocals are clean, and the song has a solemn feeling to it. The vocals rise with emotions and a key change closing in on the halfway mark, and he croons “I never got to say goodbye.” “In Your Paradise” begins with a firm riff and a heavy chug of bass. Lead breaks provide some of the melody, and I get some SOEN vibes. The Progressive elements are present, but more on the subtle side, and his vocals have a dramatic flair. They also use some keyboards to augment the sound, and you can tell they are paying attention to all the details. “My, My Enemy” begins with softer tones, and more meaty bass notes. Here, they focus on building atmosphere. It’s a gentle offering, but the emotional impact is still there.

“The Slave That You Are” roars back from warm, gentle tones, to angry, harsh ones, complete with horrid vocal screams. The band gives you a sense of their history that is tied to Black Metal. Still, there are clean passages, and they give more fuel to the contrast of harsh ones. “The Shores of Melancolia” is much firmer, and even bombastic, from the legato held lead breaks. The song is warm, and somewhat comforting, but the skies stay in a perpetual overcast area for much of it. “Too Close to the Flame” is the final cut, and it has a swelling energy like an ocean wave, still high with melody, and still with that dramatic flair.

This album breathes, pauses, and lingers, inviting the listener into a quieter space where every note feels purposeful and every silence says just as much as the sound. It is carefully crafted, emotionally resonant experience that speaks softly, but hits with stunning force. The band doesn’t try to impress with scale; they open themselves to being felt. And in doing so, they create something that doesn’t just sit in the background, but gets under your skin in the quietest, most honest way.