Blackwater Holylight - Not Here Not Gone (2026)
This lands in that zone where I like the idea of the record more than the record itself. The atmosphere is thick, the tones are carefully chosen, and there’s a clear intent to balance weight and drift. But as it unfolds, I keep waiting for the songs to assert themselves more decisively. Too often the album hovers in a familiar doomgaze fog without pushing toward a real turning point. It’s immersive enough to hold me while it’s on, yet rarely demanding enough to pull me back once it’s finished.
Pros
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Consistent mood and texture – The album maintains a coherent, dark-hued atmosphere without jarring missteps.
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Good sense of weight vs space – Heavy guitars and softer passages are blended with restraint rather than excess.
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Strong production choices – The sound is dense but readable; nothing feels accidental or sloppy.
Cons
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Lack of decisive moments – Few tracks truly arrive or crystallize into something memorable.
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Melodies often sink into the mix – Hooks feel implied rather than stated, which limits emotional impact.
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Genre comfort zone – It rarely escapes established doom/shoegaze patterns enough to feel urgent or necessary.
Genre: Doomgaze
Country: US
Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 19th / 82
Highlight: Poppyfields
Made me think of:
Emma Ruth Rundle
Slowdive
Alcest
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