From Bandcamp, "ILIENSES TREE is a Doom/Death metal band formed in 2013 in Cagliari (Sardinia). Their sound is deeply rooted in the darkest and most oppressive sides of doom and death metal, blending slow and heavy riffs, melancholic atmospheres, and a strong emotional core. The band crafts an essential and visceral musical language, where crushing heaviness supports deeply introspective lyrics. "Toward the Storm" is a dark and introspective journey into the core of human fragility. Through slow, oppressive doom/death metal atmospheres, they explore themes of alienation, pain, loss of identity, and inner resistance. The lyrics portray a constant struggle against emptiness, shame, fear, and defeat, balanced by a desperate need for healing and meaning." The album has five lengthy songs.

"Left Alone" is first; a short, mood-setter, featuring solemn piano notes and some darkness brewing in the background. Fat synth notes also hint at something hidden. What is it? "To Not Be Forgotten" has a slow, commanding pace that features riff notes held for effect. The vocals are guttural and filthy, and it sounds like a Giant beginning to wake following a long hibernation. Drums occasionally move faster amidst a usual lumbering pace, and the entire song feels heavy with emotional weight. "Wandering" is a bit more alive, and in your face, and anger replaces despair. You can still feel pain however, all the way from inside your head to the pit of your stomach. They paint a picture of absolute desolation here, and each note that passes begins to feel like the end of the world.

"Sudden Rain" is an over nine-minute opus, and the lead breaks wail with laments, deep with feeling. The skies are filled with black, threatening thunderheads, and you run away to take cover. The wind begins to pick up, and combined with the threat of a destructive rain, feel like the perfect storm is brewing. The title track closes the album, and it's a mixture of rage and depression the likes of which are equally as deadly as one another. It goes on for what seems like days, even months. Despite the sometimes narrow genre boundaries for Doom/Death, the genre can offer excitement and a heightened sense of emotions. This album met that mark but didn't climb much further. Fans will find it pleasing, but I was hoping for just a little more experimentation.