Tarlung's 'Axis Mundi' Shatters Expectations, Redefining Their Sludgy Doom Sound!
Vienna's own Tarlung has been a consistent purveyor of thick, resinous doom and smoky sludge since their self-titled debut in 2013. Even with a relatively short existence and no prior live performances at the time of their first release, they've since expanded their discography with two more full-lengths and gained valuable touring experience. Now, they're poised to unleash their fourth album in under five years, 'Axis Mundi'. Given their previous work has often been described as fair to middling sludgy doom, a burning question arises: will 'Axis Mundi' be more of the same, or will it truly represent a defining 'center' for Tarlung, bridging their past with their future evolution?
While Tarlung remains steadfast in their devotion to the almighty riff, their sonic output has undeniably become less fuzzy over time. Guitarists Rotten and Phillip Seiler are masters at delivering immense, ear-splitting damage with riffs that are both swampy and thick, packed with a taut, chuggy muscle, as heard in tracks like “State Noise” and “Between the Earth and Moon.” They also inject a healthy dose of bluesy swagger, exemplified in “Swans,” which acts as a perfect bed for the album's melodies to surface. Phillip Seiler's deep, resonant roars, reminiscent of Mikael Åkerfeldt, are a constant presence, and when combined with Marian Weibl's powerful drumming, they contribute significantly to the increasing sonic weight Tarlung is becoming known for. If you're a fan of bands like Crowbar, High on Fire, or Dopethrone, you'll find plenty of familiar and comforting territory here. However, 'Axis Mundi' is more than just familiar ground; it signals a genuine progression as Tarlung injects elements of refined psychedelia and introduces welcome vocal variations.
'Axis Mundi' truly carves out its own identity, setting it apart from Tarlung's previous releases. The opening track, “Burning Out,” begins with an airy, softly strummed melody and subdued clean vocals, creating a feeling akin to lying in a tranquil country field, watching kaleidoscopic light dance through dewdrops on daffodils. Even as the song builds momentum with a chugging riff and Seiler's signature growls return, that initial sense of warmth and introspection doesn't fade. The subsequent track, “Sea of Drowned Souls,” continues this experimental journey. Its mournful melodies are beautifully interwoven with clean vocals from Thérèse Lanz and Casey Rogers of Mares of Thrace. These pensive passages evoke strong Alice in Chains vibes, and the vocal interplay between Seiler and Lanz is particularly striking. Lanz’s visceral, blackened screams offer a powerful counterpoint to Seiler’s guttural growls, creating a dynamic and satisfying contrast. These two tracks, in particular, stand out and form the emotional core of my experience with 'Axis Mundi'.
'Axis Mundi' showcases Tarlung at their most mature and refined. The songwriting is beautifully simplistic yet incredibly effective, and with each listen, my initial critiques melted away. What might have initially seemed like a less engaging latter half of the album gradually burrowed its way into my consciousness. Soon, I found myself eagerly anticipating the laid-back melodies of “Full Circle,” where Seiler channels Matt Pike's spirit to great effect, and the powerful, Crowbar-esque closing track, “Axis Mundi.” Clocking in at a concise thirty-eight minutes, the album makes it incredibly easy to hit the replay button. While there are fleeting moments where the melodies might feel a tad crowded, such as the bluesy main riff in “Swans” that occasionally becomes a bit muddy, these instances are minor and never detract from the overall immersive experience.
For existing Tarlung fans, 'Axis Mundi' is a delightful and surprising treat. And for newcomers, this album is an excellent entry point into their world. Having not listened to Tarlung prior to this review, I can confidently say they have won me over. After delving into their earlier work, I can unequivocally state that 'Axis Mundi' is Tarlung's finest album to date. It's a slow-burn journey that delivers an abundance of killer riffs and melodies that settle in, enveloping you in a blanket of crushing warmth for a truly satisfying listen.
Rating: 3.5/5.0
DR: 6 | Format Reviewed: 320 kb/s mp3
Label: Argonauta Records
Releases Worldwide: January 30th, 2026
But here's where it gets controversial... While the album is lauded for its maturity and progression, some might argue that the shift towards cleaner vocals and more psychedelic elements could alienate the die-hard fans who crave the raw, unadulterated sludge of their earlier work. Do you think Tarlung has struck the perfect balance, or have they strayed too far from their roots? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
