Adam Burke’s glorious artwork for Fringe, the new third album by the Finnish atmospheric sludge/doom band Lurk, preceded the revelation of music from the record, peaking curiosity about what sounds might follow. The first track made available for listening — “Reclaim” — swings and stomps, exuding a dismal and grisly atmosphere while getting the hooked claws of its sinister riffs and twisted leads ever deeper into your head as it moves. One further track has appeared (“Ostrakismos”), and today we bring you a third one in advance of the album’s August 5 release by Transcending Obscurity Records.

“Elan” is both deeply disturbing and hypnotic, slowly drawing the listener into an increasingly nightmarish descent, helpless to break away. The spell-casting begins slowly and seductively, but by the time the incantation has been completed, its black-hearted intent stands fully revealed. Continue reading »