 VÖLUR & CARES Unveil “Windbourne Sorcery I,” A Meditative Storm of Strings, Spirits, and Sonic Spellcraft Stream “Windbourne Sorcery I” HERE Canadian doom-folk experimentalists VÖLUR have released their new single “Windbourne Sorcery I”, a transportive instrumental that draws on Kurdish rhythmic traditions, Persian timbres, and Western harmonic sensibilities. The track is the latest glimpse into Breathless Spirit, the band’s ambitious fourth studio album and their first full-length collaboration with avant-producer CARES (James Beardmore). At the heart of “Windbourne Sorcery I” is the tanbur, a three-stringed Kurdish lute played here by Lucas Gadke in his first time recording the instrument with VÖLUR, though it previously featured on their 2020 EP Zwischen den Wäldern. Inspired by the playing of Ali Akbar Moradi and the atmospherics of TALK TALK’s “Spirit of Eden,” the piece flows intuitively through unconventional time signatures, primarily a 10/8 rhythmic cycle (3-2-2-3), before opening into a spellbinding stretch of free improvisation led by Laura C. Bates’ violin. The song features no lyrics, but instead opens with a chant over a contrapuntal descending melody, eventually expanding into a complex, trance-inducing chant cycle in 24 beats (10+7+7), a hallmark of VÖLUR’s genre-defying sound. The band’s commitment to authenticity is clear: Lucas studied tanbur for three years with Tehran-born maestro Reza Houshvar, bringing a deeply rooted, personal resonance to this cross-cultural composition. “Windbourne Sorcery I” exemplifies the sonic terrain of Breathless Spirit, a six-track journey shaped over five years, originally conceived as part of VÖLUR’s Die Sprachen Der Vögel series. Produced in deep collaboration with CARES, the album draws on Icelandic folklore, Persian modal structures, doom metal, and free jazz. The result is a deeply textured and emotionally resonant work that dissolves the boundaries between genres, cultures, and consciousness. Breathless Spirit features contributions from Amy Bowles (PONY DA LOOK) and Zoë Santo (DIVKA), and is visually anchored by a striking stone-cut print by Inuit artist Saimaiyu Akesuk, which also inspired some of the album’s compositional rhythms. It will be available on black vinyl in two editions, including a “diehard edition” that comes with a bonus 7” and a custom Breathless Spirit tea blend created in partnership with BLACK THRONE. About VÖLUR & CARES VÖLUR is a Toronto-based experimental doom metal trio composed of Laura C. Bates (violin, vocals), Lucas Gadke (bass, vocals), and Justin Ruppel (drums). Known for their unorthodox instrumentation and boundary-pushing compositions, VÖLUR draws from a wide range of influences including doom metal, European folk, free improvisation, classical music, and Persian/Kurdish traditions. Their sound, often described as haunting and cinematic, blends thunderous low-end weight with fragile melodic tension. Since forming in 2014, they have released multiple albums and EPs, performed at festivals such as ProphecyFest and Sled Island, and collaborated with artists from around the world as part of their Die Sprachen der Vögel series. CARES is the project of James Beardmore, a UK-born, Ontario-based musician and producer. Known for his experimental production methods and emotional sonic textures, Beardmore integrates analog synthesizers, hacked hardware, custom Max/MSP instruments, and field recordings into compositions that are as tactile as they are atmospheric. His work with VÖLUR on Breathless Spirit is a seamless collaboration that expands the band’s sonic universe, elevating their music into a richly layered fusion of organic and electronic sound. Together, VÖLUR & CARES create immersive, mythically charged music that resists categorization, rooted in story and sound, breath and ritual. VÖLUR is: Laura C. Bates – violin, electric violin, viola, cymbals, vocals Lucas Gadke – electric bass, double bass, harmonium, keyboards, tanbur, clarinet, bass clarinet, vocals Justin Ruppel – drums, percussion Connect with VÖLUR: Website: www.volurdoom.com Bandcamp: https://volur.bandcamp.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VolurDoom/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/volurdoom/ Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/volurdoom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/volurdoom TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@volurdoom Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Y2XCmgrMhdMpoNdGibU01  Breathless Spirit Track Listing: Hearth Windbourne Sorcery I Windbourne Sorcery II Breathless Spirit On Drangey Death in Solitude Glamr Flutterby Numbers |
instrumental
New Heavy Music Report of the Week
It has been a hell of a month for me personally. Life has its ups and downs and endless battles, but music is always my shield wall or barrier for all the trials in life. Music is what drives me to rise above it all and continue to fight for a better life. I dread to think what the darkest times would be like without it. While I usually go to my comfort bands during these times, I also like to keep up to date on the world of Metal. And, it’s been a whirlwind of impactful releases and fresh takes in the music industry. Below, I have compiled some of my favorite releases these past two weeks. After I finish this, I will be working on the next installation of my favorite Heavy Metal albums to try to finish up the series. From there, I will go on to discuss my favorite Heavy Metal and Rock songs of all time.
Symphonic Progressive Metal Band Epica Stuns With “Aspiral”
“Aspiral” is a Progressive Symphonic Journey for the ages. It is bold, loud, and tastefully produced. Finally, it’s an Epica album you can hear each member shine on. Each member of Epica has different influences and techniques that attribute to the band’s signature sound. But those individuality qualities have been quite foreshadowed by fifty layers of orchestra and choir that sometimes make me forget they have one of the greatest lead singers in Metal. “Aspiral” is a peak of Epica and Simone Simons’ career. You can finally hear her beautiful Soprano vocals with perfect timbre and intonation. Her Prog writing style also gets to shine on this record. It is one of my top five Favorite Epica records and will be on regular rotation. This is definitely an album of the year contender.
Check out the latest single from “Aspiral”
Order Aspiral: https://epica.indiemerch.com/
Classic Melodeath Band Arch Enemy Freshens the Genre with “Blood Dynasty”
International Melodeath trailblazers Arch Enemy are back with the bombastic “Blood Dynasty”. This album is a surprising fresh take on classic Arch Enemy sounds without delving into thew commercialism. It’s gritty, dark, and moody as ever. My hopes for this album based on the first two singles were low, but Blood Dynasty grabbed me instantly. This is such a departure from Deceivers, which continued the more formulaic sound of War Eternal. While I loved those albums still, I desperately wanted a Classic Arch Enemy album with Amott’s more Thrash style riffs. Blood Dynasty delivers on all fronts, and really pulled me in upon first listen. This is one of AE’s most encapsulating releases of the diverse and long catalog. It is a complete thrill to experience.
One of my favorite songs from Arch Enemy’s career.
Order “Blood Dynasty” Here: https://linktr.ee/blooddynasty
New Video From Legendary band MESSA
Order “The Spin” Here: https://www.metalblade.com/messa/
About MESSA; https://www.metalblade.com/messa/#bio
New Live Video Clip From “An Evening With” Haken
Order An Evening With and Discover More Haken Here: https://hakenmusic.com/
Doom Metal Epic Featuring the Famous Heiki Langhans
Taken from the album “We, The Dead” to be released on May 9, 2025 by Meuse Music Records.
Instrumental Post Rock Stun with New Gorgeous Track
Preorders Available here: https://www.welostthesea.com/
Brand New Power Metal Track Speeds With Classic Blind Guardian-esque vox
Swedish Melancholic Rock Legends Return With Doomy Prog Track
Order their new album here; https://lnk.to/KAT-NAEOTWS
TechDeath Juggernauts Release New Track with Legend
shadowofintent.com
Swedish Proggers Release Chaotic New Deftones Influnced Track
Order their new album here: https://www.vildhjartastore.com/product-category/dar-skogen-sjunger-preorder/
Melodeath Power Group Release New Single and new Album
What new releases did I miss? What have you been spinning lately? Let me know below in the comments!
Metal Valkyrie 