Bringing ethereal sounds to reality with ease – review of Hanging Garden’s upcoming EP “Citylight Sessions”

Author Benedetta Baldin - 17.4.2024

Hanging Garden is a Finnish band that has been active for about 20 years now, and this month they will release their new EP “Citylight Sessions”. I consider them pioneers, sculptors of haunting soundscapes, and purveyors of melancholic beauty. With “Citylight Sessions,” they once again prove why they stand at the forefront of the genre.

This group is unafraid to venture into uncharted territories. Like a journey through urban landscapes, each track paints a vivid picture of spaces and scenes, conveyed through their sounds and their artistry. Their willingness to experiment, to incorporate whatever sounds necessary to evoke the desired feelings is such an admirable skill and one that is not so common.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of “Citylight Sessions” is Hanging Garden‘s fearlessness. They are not content to simply rest on their laurels; instead, they push the boundaries of their sound, exploring new textures and moods with each track. Whether it’s the haunting melodies, pulsating rhythms or perhaps ethereal backgrounds, this release once again highlights the band’s commitment to innovation.

The commendation for “Citylight Sessions” extends even further, considering that these tracks were meticulously re-crafted in a live setting. This adds another layer of complexity and challenge, as the band challenges the nuances of performance while striving to maintain the integrity and emotion of the studio versions. Their dedication to honing these compositions in a live environment speaks volumes about their commitment to the art they create!

In conclusion, “Citylight Sessions” is a solid achievement for Hanging Garden, showing their ability to create immersive atmospheres and melancholic tracks that linger long after the final notes fade away. For fans of atmospheric metal, this EP is not to be missed.

Tracklist:

  1. The Journey
  2. The Four Winds
  3. The Garden
  4. The Fireside
  5. The Construct