Review: Sunken - Lykke

Band: Sunken
Release: Lykke
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Release Date: 24th October 2025
Label: Eisenwald

Introduction

The crashing depths of Danish atmospheric black metal band Sunken bear their weight down on us once again across four deeply characteristic tracks lasting nearly 50 minutes in total. Their waves of oceanic despair have never disappointed me in the past and once again they have impeccably delivered their desolate yet hefty sound through their newest album Lykke which comes a whole five years since their previous album Livslede.

Lykke

Tracklist:

1. Din Røst Malede Farver I Luften
2. Og Det Er Lykke
3. Glædesfærd
4. Når Livet Går På Hæld

Their trademark hauntingly beautiful synth is still there, it’s oppressive but lingers in the background just right to build the sullen environment of each track and craft such a sense of depth that you become buried in this weighty and dismal aura.

The shortest track on the album starts us off, Din Røst Malede Farver i Luften. When I say shortest, this track is just over 10 minutes in length which encapsulates the venture that lies ahead. Opening up with some slow ethereal chorus driven guitar and light synthwork before a distorted feedback sounding like a dying whale prepares us for the onslaught of black metal ahead of us – the ferocious drums, gritty tone driven riffs, and wretched vocals. During the more downtempo sections the bassline shines through strong, and I love the dissonant tremolo riffs during the bridge before the guttural voice screams out into the tranquil void.

Each track is wonderfully composed with soaring guitars performing melancholic melodies, emotionally passionate vocals that are ragingly vicious, the aforementioned burdensome synthwork, unyielding blast beats, as well as choir work and clean sections to give us a chance to come up for air and get some breathing room from the depths. Each song keeps your interest held throughout their duration, with the rise and falls hypnotically engrossing you until before you know it that track has reached its conclusion and we are onto the next allowing the album to flow as one consistent composition.

The clean guitar and orchestral work that begin Og det er Lykke are so elegant that it perfectly contrasts the bleak harshness that is to follow throughout the song. The album continues strong as each track builds upon the previous weaving it all together until we reach Når Livet går på Hæld which slowly brings us to a close over its 14 minute duration. A more gradual track that creeps along quite deliberately in a listless way, pulling you under in the expansive pit of atmosphere. And as the album reaches its terminus, a wave of calmness washes over you as we finish this wonderful and beautiful album.

Conclusion

I cannot recommend enough that you set aside an hour and lose yourself into the abyss of Lykke to really let it immerse you with its drenched spirit.

I will be seeing them perform with Panopticon on their Laurentian Echoes tour in 2026 – one of my most anticipated upcoming gigs and after their incredible performance opening Fortress Festival in 2024 I can’t wait for a more intimate display from them. I hope it isn’t half a decade until they grace us with new music again, but if it is I can say it will likely be worth the wait.

BMZ Rating: 10 out of 10

Support Sunken here: https://sunkendenmark.bandcamp.com/album/lykke-2

Your thoughts on Sunken

Are you looking forward to listen to this album? Share your opinion and thoughts on our social media channels, or join the discussion on our Discord—where we talk about all things black metal. Don’t forget to follow our Facebook page, Black Metal Zine, for updates on our latest articles, and take a look at our Instagram @blackmetal.zine for concert photos and more!