Sojourner – Gateways Review: Atmospheric Black Metal (2026)

 

Sojourner – Gateways album cover, atmospheric black metal 2026



Artist: Sojourner
Origin: International
Label: Avantgarde Music
Released: July 10, 2026
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal
Rating: 6/10
Listen/Buy: Bandcamp

After saving "Lunar Tear" i went back to hear it again.I noticed the album had just dropped ,had to check this one out. Never heard Sojourner before.

Gateways is Sojourner's fourth album, out July 10 on Avantgarde Music. Atmospheric black metal mixed with folk, doom and gothic elements.

This isn't the type of black metal i usually listen to, and I'm not that well-travelled in this part of the genre. Still, the album definitely has some moments. There's a really good melancholic atmosphere throughout the album, with a solid dose of doom mixed into the black metal. The melodic side hits hard with powerful riffs, black metal elements and blast beats, while the growling is solid all the way.

I understand the contrast they are going for, putting the clean vocals against the growling , but for me it ends up being more distracting than atmospheric. Nothing wrong with the quality , the clean vocals are clear and well-executed. I just wish there was more growling and a less clean, because the clean vocals take up too much space.

"Lunar Tear" and "Epitaphs" are the standouts, and they really lift the album. 

Overall this leans a bit too far into folk metal for my taste, but when the black metal hits, it really hits. 

Next time ,less folk, more black metal.

Rating: 6/10

I'll be spinning more albums — stay tuned!

Hauk


If you enjoyed this, check out:
Dark Side – W Matni Review
Sigyn – From Nation to Chaos Review
Entropist – The Vision Review
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