Style: Progressive Rock / Progressive Metal (clean vocals)
For fans of: Porcupine Tree, Pain of Salvation, Opeth, Riverside, Caligula’s Horse
Country: Canada Release: May 8, 2026
Label: Self‑released
Duration: ~60 minutes The 7th album and final part of the trilogy (The Fold – GWSYG – Black Soul Sickness)
Black Soul Sickness completes the trilogy that began with The Fold and continued with Grey White Silver Yellow & Gold. The change of tone is evident from the cover: from the bright colors of the previous albums, here the band sinks into a darker, heavier and more inward-looking atmosphere. The result is the most mature and emotionally charged work of their career.
The album opens with the 13-minute “Wallow”, a track that works like a miniature of the whole album. It starts with bluesy guitar and piano, gradually builds intensity and transforms into a full progressive metal epic. Sylvain Auclair‘s voice moves between a clean, warm delivery and a rougher, almost grunge timbre, giving the track strong drama. Thomas Brodeur‘s drums and Auclair’s bass keep the track steady despite the constant rhythm changes.
“Out of Nothing” continues with an acoustic intro and a more melodic, emotional approach. The band leaves room for every instrument to breathe, with guitar and keyboards alternating in melodic lines without excess. The production is crystal clear, allowing every detail to be heard distinctly.
“Darkest Heir” brings heavier riffs, clock samples and an intense sense of tension. The keys move in a more aggressive style, with solos that recall Jordan Rudess, while the guitars become more metallic. It’s one of the album’s darkest tracks.
“Slow Down Son” works as a breather: Floyd‑ian atmosphere, acoustic guitars and a more world‑music mood. This ballad shows Karcius’s ability to write simple, beautiful tracks without losing their progressive identity.
“Rise” begins with acoustic guitar before evolving into one of the album’s most dynamic points, with a chorus that stays in the mind and a climax that recalls Pain of Salvation. “Awakening the Spirit” closes the album with piano, ethereal keyboards and a gradual rise that leads to one of the album’s most intense guitar moments.
Black Soul Sickness is an album that combines progressive rock, progressive metal, jazz aesthetics and cinematic atmosphere. It is darker, more mature and more emotional than the previous parts of the trilogy, with sturdy production and excellent coherence. Karcius manage to balance technique, emotion and narrative without falling into excess.
Score: 8.5–9/10 Highlights: Wallow, Out of Nothing, Darkest Heir, Awakening the Spirit
