Harjo - Nocturnus: Waking (2024)

Nocturnus: Waking is the fourth studio album by Harjo, the groundbreaking metal experimental guitar trio. Conceived as a continuation of Harjo’s second album Nocturnus: Dreaming, this album delves deep into the enigmatic realm of sleep and its surrounding mythology, weaving intricate soundscapes that traverse the boundaries between deep slumber and the fragile moments of waking. Each track guides the listener through the depths of sleep, where the veil between reality and dreams thins, revealing a mesmerizing and eerie world.

Central to Nocturnus: Waking is the night hag myth, an ancient and terrifying figure believed to haunt the transition from deep sleep to awakening, causing sleep paralysis and nightmarish visions. Under the direction of composer Brent Miller, Harjo deconstructs traditional musical gestures, breaking them down and reassembling them into a fusion of heavy riffs, ethereal melodies, and avant-garde techniques. This captures the eerie tension of the legend, transforming it into a sonic journey that mirrors the unsettling passage from darkness to dawn. The result is a musical exploration where the depths of sleep and the edge of wakefulness converge, bringing myth and reality into an eerie, captivating harmony.

The album also features notable collaborations, including Monte Cimino on composition and electronics, adding layers of atmospheric depth and textures to the album's sonic landscape. Additionally, soprano Jacqueline Goldgorin's ethereal vocals elevate the album's narrative, infusing the tracks with a beauty that mirrors the mythology explored.