Release Date June 5th, 2026
Format LP/CD/Digital
Genre Stoner/Doom Metal
Origin Sweden
Tidal Wave has built their name around big riffs and a mix of classic heavy metal, stoner rock and doom without chasing trends. Formed in Sweden, the quartet first appeared with "Blueberry Muffin" in 2019 before returning with "The Lord Knows" in 2023, expanding their songwriting with stronger melodies and a broader heavy metal influence. Across those releases they established a style built on thick guitar work, blues soaked groove and the unmistakable voice of Alexander "Sunkan" Sundqvist, whose powerful delivery has become one of the band’s defining traits. On their third full length, "Volume Tree", the lineup of Sundqvist, guitarist Jesper "Jupiter" Sjödin, bassist Adam "Aden" Nordin and drummer Rasmus "Raz" Sundberg continues down the same road with a darker outlook and a bigger emphasis on doom. The album was recorded in three different studios, mixed by three engineers, mastered by Joona Hassinen at Studio Underjord, with artwork created by Kristoffer Nordgren.
"Volume Tree" leans into slower tempos more often than its predecessor, giving the riffs extra impact while allowing the vocals to dominate many of the songs. The production has a warm analogue character, guitars remain full without becoming muddy, the bass sits comfortably in the mix and the drums sound natural. Sundqvist is once again the biggest weapon in the band's arsenal, moving from gritty melodies to
commanding high notes without sounding overstretched. Songs such as "Hangman" and "Temple Of Humanity" mix classic heavy metal with doom and small progressive touches, while "Earth" digs into darker lyrical territory inspired by occult themes. "Sideburns" shifts the focus toward personal confrontation, adding a different angle without breaking the overall flow.
The material stays rooted in heavy riffs first and foremost, though several songs stretch ideas a little longer than necessary and a few sections circle back to familiar patterns before reaching their destination. The variety between the songs helps prevent the album from becoming one dimensional, though not every experiment reaches the same level. Some transitions are stronger than others, and a couple of compositions could have benefited from a more decisive ending.
Even with those shortcomings, "Volume Tree" remains an engaging listen because the songwriting rarely loses focus and the band understands how to build memorable hooks without watering down the heaviness. The riffs have character, the choruses leave an impression after only a few spins and the rhythm section gives every song a sturdy foundation. The combination of doom, classic heavy metal and stoner rock rarely drifts into predictable territory, although some ideas echo influences that longtime listeners will recognize immediately.
There is enough personality to separate Tidal Wave from many similar acts without trying to overwhelm the listener with constant twists. The album does not maintain the same level across all eight songs, though the stronger material easily outweighs the weaker moments. It is a convincing third release from a band that continues refining its songwriting while holding onto the raw spirit that has shaped its sound from the beginning.
|8.0
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