Under the alias Huremic, enigmatic Korean shoegaze artist Parannoul delves into uncharted territory with “Seeking Darkness,” an hour-long post-rock odyssey, defying the noise rock and shoegaze background that uplifted him. The album trades the lo-fi charm and melodic immediacy of projects like “Sky Hundred” and “After The Magic” for a monolithic, grandiose, experimental vision steeped in industrial textures, tribal rhythms, and existential dread. Split into five seamless movements, “Seeking Darkness” demands to be listened to as a single, completely immersive session.
Parannoul stands on the shoulders of giants like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Swans, merging post-rock’s crescendoing framework with noise rock’s abrasive physicality through his expertise; however, what’s unconventional is that Parannoul eschews trademark shoegaze walls for a harsher, more detailed palette of feedback-laden guitars colliding with industrial clangs. Combine this with Parannoul’s signature drum programming—now more tribal and provoking than ever—he effectively envelopes the ears in intensity.
As he explores nihilistic despair and raw vulnerability, Parannoul’s voice oscillates between anguished wails and cryptic chants. This existential tension mirrors the structuring of the music itself: droning gives way to utterly seismic riffs, as if the sound itself transmogrifies into a fleeting catharsis. Although indicative of acres of post-rock influence, Parannoul distinguishes himself from his influences by leaning into an almost psychedelic, ritualistic form of storytelling.
“Seeking Darkness” is a triumphant reincarnation. Parannoul proves his versatility as an artist while pushing the boundaries of post-rock. Though challenging, the album rewards patience with moments of transcendence, a testament to Parannoul’s ability to transform depression into art. For fans of Swans, Boris, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, or anyone yearning for a sonic journey into the abyss, “Seeking Darkness” is an essential listen.
Final Score: 4.5/5
Standout Tracks: Pt. 2, Pt.4, Pt.5
