Seattle-based blackened sludge metal trio STRICKEN have released a streaming link for their second full-length album, "From Dark Dimensions An Unspeakable Presence Awakens". The five-track record, which the band believes gives their musical identity a much clearer definition than their previous release, is set to arrive this Friday, November 6, via Horror Pain Gore Death Productions.

The album is streaming in advance through Everything Is Noise. The publication singles out opening track 'Dust From The Grave', which begins with atmospheric guitar riffs soaring over the drum arrangements before gradually settling into a more pronounced groove. 'Touch Of Corruption', meanwhile, leans towards the more traditional side of sludge metal, with its blastbeats and vocal approach. In its assessment of the record, Everything Is Noise highlights a sound that brings together the atmospheric sensibilities of NEUROSIS and the weighty riffing of CONAN.

ALBUM STREAM HERE

Guitarist Nick Charlton describes the album's creation as a long process involving writing, rehearsing, recording, and production, expressing his gratitude to the musicians and listeners who contributed to the journey. Drummer Chris Wozniak sees the new release as an important step forward for STRICKEN. While the band were still searching for their identity and sound on their debut, he believes they have now reached a much more consistent approach in both their songwriting and tones.

Another point Wozniak emphasises is the band's desire to make listeners active participants in the experience rather than passive consumers of the music. Although the record was not conceived as a concept album, STRICKEN hope listeners will approach its five tracks as a cohesive whole.

"From Dark Dimensions An Unspeakable Presence Awakens" explores themes of the dark subconscious, self-destruction, unspeakable horror, existential dread, and nihilism. Musically, the record combines intense, oppressive passages with deep groove sections and experimental arrangements. This approach allows the band to retain their sludge metal foundations while exploring a more dynamic and varied musical direction.

The band members also took direct responsibility for the album's recording and production. Guitarist Nick Charlton handled the engineering, while Chris Wozniak took care of the mixing. Mastering was completed by James Plotkin at Plotkinworks, whose previous credits include KHANATE, EARTH, and AMAROK. The album artwork was created by Tom Denney.

"From Dark Dimensions An Unspeakable Presence Awakens" will be released on CD and digital formats on November 6. Pre-orders and digital pre-saves are available through Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. STRICKEN are also planning regional live dates for the coming months while continuing to work on new music.

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