Alunah – Fever Dream (Review)

This is the seventh album from UK doom metal band Alunah.

Alunah seem to be on an upward trajectory. From 2017’s Solennial to 2019’s Violet Hour to 2022’s Strange Machine, there doesn’t seem to be any stopping the band. Strange Machine I loved in particular. This makes Fever Dream hotly anticipated over here, although bittersweet, as apparently it’s to be the last album featuring the band’s excellent singer Siân Greenaway, which is a huge shame.

Fever Dream contains 41 minutes of hard rocking doom metal loveliness, although I’d say that overall there’s a bit more of the former on this record, but certainly not exclusively. The songs are warm and welcoming, providing hot riffs, tasty melody, and powerful vocals. There is plenty of rich groove to be had, as well as a the sort of compelling melodies that stick around long after they’re over.

The Alunah sound is a tried-and-tested one, but enhanced with a mix of other styles and influences that are felt across the individual songs in compelling ways. There is a solid amount of diversity within the band’s trademark style and I like that each song has its own voice within the whole. This all enriches the core style of the band, which is not normally one I easily gravitate to, except in exceptional circumstances; Alunah more than qualify though.

Catchy, memorable, with first class musicianship and singing, there’s little to dislike about Fever Dream. Like all Alunah albums it has its own idiosyncratic sound, allowing the band to explore their material, while simultaneously staying true to the style’s heart. The music on Fever Dream is played exceptionally well and with great personality and character. The songs just grab me, in a way that music of this sort doesn’t commonly.

There are two guests on the album. One provides piano for I’ve Paid the Price, while the other add extra vocals to opener Never Too Late. Of the latter, the guest singer is from a band called Wucan, who I’ve never heard of, but her voice is really strong, so it seems I’ve been missing out.

Another great album from Alunah then; almost to be expected at this point. A different beast to Strange Machine, but highly enjoyable nonetheless. All of the songs are strong, but I especially like Sacred Grooves, so we’ll go with that as a current favourite.

Basically, if this is the sort of style that floats your boat, then you mustn’t miss out on Fever Dream.