From Bandcamp, "On their ninth album "Isle of Bliss," HANGING GARDEN takes a different approach to their signature somber melancholy: the new full-length presents perhaps a darker, more sinister rendition of the oftentimes dreamlike tones of the past releases. Synths and sweet and airy vocal layers – albeit still present - give more room for a heavier aesthetic in the drum and guitar work. The album's themes revolve around the spiritual aspects of life, death and the liminality in between. The landscapes shift from the introspection of one's core self, travelling past dense forests and deathless isles – all the way to the vast and distant infinities of the dying stars and the vast and eternal voids spun between."

"To Outlive the Nine Ravens" is first, and the opening tones are thick, rich and aggressive, and that introductory scream could wake the dead. In counterbalance, the harmonized clean vocals keep it from careening off the cliff into the abyss. It's a powerful and commanding sound, although it's mysterious at times, and in your face at others. "Eternal Trees of Turquoise" is a bit slower, but no less dark, or intense. The color turquoise represents tranquility, clarity, and emotional balance, often associated with healing and protection. You'll hear none of these qualities in this song. It's devastating, emotionally draining, and even diseased. However, the clean tones at the end do hint at this clarity, but they are like a flower trying to bloom when winter still has a tight grip.

"Isle of Bliss" uses more melody, although it is still quite somber. Dual guitar leads and clean vocals keep it from drowning underwater, and you can feel the longing in both the clean and harsh vocals. "To the Gates of Hel" uses a combination of clean tones and vocals absolutely dashed by harsh tones. It's like a tickle before the blows reign down on your head, and it is bursting with emotion. "To Death Upon our Shoulders" is much more stern and dark. Heavy bass note charge forward like thoroughbreds on the battlefield, and harsh vocals carry wrath and vengeance with them. Clean vocals help to temper some of the darkness, but they don't make much headway. "Arise, Black Sun" hints at the entire world falling into shadow. It has a hasty sound, as if there is still work to be done before the dawn ceases to rise again.

"Her Waning Light" is another reference to the possible end of the world. Frail clean vocals that used to be strong are asking for more constitution than you have, while the harsh vocals are like the voice of your doppelganger…harassing, and even taunting you. "Beneath the Fallen Sky" is the final song, and wheels are now in motion that cannot be stopped. Oddly, there is something poetic about witnessing the fall. Maybe in a twisted sort of way, it's what's best for the world. How much sound can an eight-piece band produce? Endless amounts. The album is like a battle between good and evil, right and wrong, light and darkness even. Toggling from feelings of dread to the pure excitement of an adrenaline rush, it's rich, lush, and elegant.