Swedish singer-songwriter Jonathan Hultén’s latest album, Eyes of the Living Night, is a grabbing our attention from all angles. Blues, film scores, electronica, Metal and a little bit of Classic rock. This album and his previous ‘Chants From Another Place’, is a big change from the work he done with his band, Tribulations. Mythical-Folk with a dream like fog on top. If Jonathan Hultén wanted to bring us on a meditative journey, he nailed it. You can shut your eyes and just let him take you there.
Riverflame was the song that told me to slow down, switch off the background fuzz from my mind, and pay attention. What a goddamn beautiful control of ones voice. From the opening moments, Hultén’s voice is gorgeously isolated in the mix, its purity and control immediately striking. each note, demonstrating an incredible command over his voice. It’s a track that feels haunting and intimate—no surprise, then, that this is my personal favourite off the album.
Hultén’s voice actually bears some resemblance to that of Tobias Forge, lead singer of Ghost. Like Forge, Hultén is capable of moving between fragile falsettos and more powerful, resonant tones. Where Forge might veer into theatricality, Hultén keeps things grounded, his voice always remaining personal and expressive, even as it spans multiple octaves with a haunting kind of control. Throughout the album I was also reminded of Ville Valo, the Swedish singer song writer mostly known for the band HIM. The track Riverflame brought me back to ‘Gone With The Sin’ by HIM. Stripped down, low synths, dream like. It’s Gospel.
Though I haven’t paid much attention to Jonathan Hultén’s work with Tribulation, there’s no doubt that his ability to craft mood and atmosphere will appeal to fans of that band. However, this solo album presents him in an entirely different light—one where his musicianship and voice take centre stage in a more intimate, introspective context. If Tribulation didn’t quite pique my interest in the past, Hultén’s solo work is certainly something I’ll be following closely from now on.
An album which I wont be shying away from, but perhaps won’t have on repeat.
Eyes of the Living Night grabs a 5 out of 10
JONATHEN HULTÉN – EYES OF THE LIVING NIGHT
1. The Saga And The Storm [05:24]
2. Afterlife [04:19]
3. Falling Mirage [02:43]
4. Riverflame [04:18]
5. The Dream Was The Cure [04:18]
6. Song Of Transience [03:23]
7. Through The Fog, Into The Sky [02:46]
8. Dawn [03:38]
9. Vast Tapestry [02:37]
10. The Ocean’s Arms [03:38]
11. A Path Is Found [01:15]
12. Starbather [04:58]
AVAILABLE ON: PEARL BLUE VINYL LP, CLASSIC BLACK VINYL LP, CD AND DIGITALLY
BUY JONATHAN HULTÉN EYES OF THE LIVING NIGHT
Reviewer Carl Foran – @carlforanphotography