This is the fifth album from Swedish sludge metallers Pyramido.

I’ve enjoyed watching Pyramido develop across 2013’s Saga and 2016’s Vatten, so it’s good to have 34 minutes of new material to enjoy on Fem.

Incorporating an increased amount of post-metal, melodic, and psychedelic influences, (as well as some indie and shoegaze ones), Fem finds Pyramido still caustic, but less crushing than before. As the band’s distorted intensity is augmented by these additional elements more than previously, what Pyramido lose in heaviness, they gain in atmospheric appeal. Their more considered approach to aspects of their sound on Fem has largely paid off, and it’s easy to become absorbed in the band’s creations.

Moody and slow, these new songs all share similar themes, but Pyramido know their way around the style well. I find that the album works best as a whole, as it allows you time to acclimatise to Pyramido’s world, and to become immersed in their ways. It’s certainly not a flawless album, but it’s still one that’s worth getting to know.

Although this won’t be too everyone’s tastes – quasi-dreamy post-sludge music combined with harsh, gritty screams – I have a soft spot for Pyramido’s output, and I enjoyed Fem more than enough to recommend it.