We usually associate Atmospheric and Melodic Black Metal with Northern Europe, sometimes Iceland, and definitely Russia. I would like to submit that Minneapolis, Minnesota is bleak enough and certainly cold enough to qualify as natural terrain for ABM as well. And I think MORKE, the Black Metal project of multi-instrumentalist Eric Wing, is proof enough. On October 10, 2025, MORKE released their fourth full-length album, "To Carry On," one year on from their 2024 EP, "Forged in Steel and Love." With "To Carry On" we see Eric continuing their inflection toward a more Melodic Black Metal than some of their early releases. And true to the title, this album is decidedly soothing and even uplifting, something Eric says reflects his current feelings of peacefulness and happiness.  

"To Carry On" comprises nine tracks spanning just over 35 minutes. On the uniqueness scale, the album ranks relatively low. I mean, there are any of number of bands and projects that emulate this same sound, but . . . it's also a really good sound, so it also ranks high on the listenability scale. Go figure. I also have to say that this album carries a lot of emotional punch. Okay, that's pretty much the license to operate for Atmospheric Black Metal—that is, by definition it has to have atmosphere and the best medium for atmosphere is emotion. Metal logic 101.  

Eric welcomes several friends on this album, including session drummer CJ Yacoub (CANIS DIRUS, VULNING) and guitarist Tanner Anderson (OBSEQUIAE, MAJESTIES). Standout tracks abound, including "Sublymed Respair" which a) is just the perfect title as well as the perfect phrase to just sit and think upon; b) musically aligns perfectly with its title, which I guess good music is meant to do; and c) surges in epic fashion multiple times, proving that soothing and uplifting don't have to be lame and in fact can be quite visceral and still achieve the same end. "Myne Owne Hertis Ride" is also in there with more aggressive Black Metal tremolo riffs than one might expect in a melodic piece. And "Coup D'oeil" as well as "Crystalline Firmament" are, for me, just classic takes. 

I can't say that I've listened to a lot of MORKEs previous releases. The metal underground is fertile as it is dark and there are only so many hours in my miserable life. But after this slab of dark delight, I'll be digging into their back catalogue to see what gems I can find. As far as "To Carry On" goes, a well-written, well-executed album. Recommended for any fan of Atmospheric or Melodic Black Metal.