Iterum Nata - Heartwood (2026)
I like the atmosphere immediately, but after a while I realize the album is relying on it too heavily. The world is convincing, the instrumentation is tasteful, and the emotional tone stays coherent from beginning to end, but the music rarely transforms that mood into something truly powerful.
A lot of the record feels like controlled tension without enough release. It keeps hinting at larger climaxes or emotional breakthroughs, but usually settles back into the same reflective space instead of pushing further. Because of that, the pacing starts to flatten out, especially in the second half.
The blend of folk, doom and progressive rock is handled well, and nothing feels fake or trend-chasing. But structurally, I don’t think the album earns the runtime. I hear craftsmanship and sincerity more than necessity.
In the end, I respect the atmosphere more than I feel overwhelmed by it.
Pros
Strong atmosphere and identity → the fusion of folk, doom and progressive elements creates a believable emotional worldConsistent emotional tone → the album maintains melancholy and seriousness without feeling artificial
Organic instrumentation → acoustic textures and heavier passages blend naturally together
Cons
Too little escalation payoff → the album builds tension more often than it truly releases it
Mid-tempo drift sets in → several sections blur together structurally and reduce momentum
Genre: Progressive folk metal
Country: Finland
Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album)
Yearly Ranking: 149th / 384
Highlight: The Forsaken Oath
Made me think of:
Hexvessel
Anathema
In the Woods...
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