Panopticon is a Black Metal band which was formed in Louisville, Kentucky by Austin Lunn in 2007."Laurentian Blue" is their 11th studio album to date.The project began as a studio only idea with Lunn writing all the songs,also playing all the instruments,but since then,this has expanded to become a band of musicians for live performances.Panopticon describe their sound as Black Metal with some influences from Bluegrass and Appalachian Folk using Appalachian instruments Banjo,Fiddle,Bells & Acoustic Guitar.They first played live as a band in 2016.In 2021 Rolling Stone Magazine named "...And Again Into The Light" as its 5th in its Top 40 albums of 2021.also naming it the 10th best Metal Album of the year respectively.

"Laurentian Blue" is not what i was expecting it to sound like if I'm truly honest.Also while I am being honest I have never heard of Panopticon before nor heard any of their music."Laurentian Blue" is a collection of 11 acoustic chilled and stripped back tracks with a folk & country style vibe.The opening "Liberation Song" is minimalistic musically which is a joyous listen just a man with his guitar singing a well written song,"The Poetry In Roadkill" has soothing violin harmonies running through the heart of the song,which give a warmth & soothing feeling.Austin Lunn's vocals sound really clear with a deep tone which provides comfort to some of lyrics and issues raised by Lunn. "Flowers In The Ditch" is the album highlight for me the vocals & the melodies are sublime.

"An Argument With God" is an exception to the stripped back approach with a constant drum beat,acoustic guitar with spoken word lyrics."Irony And Actuality" is a more upbeat track driven by the steel sounding galloping banjo chords and more faster violin accompaniment.The country stripped back acoustic vibe returns with  "Down Along The Border" with some subtle harmonies which add sincerity and power to the meaning of the son,"The Mortals Coiled" and "Broken Bars" are another two great tracks with deep and meaningful songwriting.The album concludes with "Ely In The Dark" a short but sweet number that is a calming end to this album. "Laurentian Blue" a collection of eleven tracks with a laid back and chilled vibe.I love the fact that there is no gimmicks.no big glossy production.Its just a man playing his guitar singing songs of relevance about the world issues of today.This is an album which I would listen to at night to chill from the  trials and tribulations I have to deal with daily.A good album but I don't think it will appeal to everybody, but I thought it was a great listen.