“Cult of the Sun” is the new offering from Melbourne-based progressive metal act BLACK SEA OF TREES. The new single, and title track of the forthcoming album, contains the band’s distinctive sonic characteristics including thunderous breakdowns, moments of quiet contemplation, and large melodic choruses. Cult of the Sun is due to be released on May 8th, 2026,
The narrative of the new album is inspired by the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, Akhenaten and his life’s journey. Cult of the Sun follows the days of the protagonist who is promised otherworldly power and dominion over both Earth and Heaven in return for overthrowing the old kingdom. In “Cult of the Sun”, the protagonist questions their role and the events that have transpired. Through contemplation, the protagonist realizes that they themselves have been indoctrinated into the cult.
Musically, the voyage of discovery and emotions felt by the protagonist are brought to life through dynamic arrangements. Shifting riffs and tempo changes throughout reveal emotions in a state of flux through turmoil and uncertainty. “Cult of the Sun” begins and ends with the same riff but in different tones, representing the cyclical motif of the sun symbology.
About BLACK SEA OF TREES:
Based out of Melbourne and Victoria in Australia, the progressive metal ensemble composes their music around the narrative of their releases. BLACK SEA OF TREES formed in 2018. The debut album, The Spiritual Beast, materialized in the spring of 2023. The band’s forthcoming sophomore full-length is an exploration of spirituality, folklore and philosophy, with death metal, folk and ambient elements incorporated into the soundscapes. “A Red Dawn” marks the beginning of this next chapter for BLACK SEA OF TREES, introducing this next album’s concept: the protagonist is chosen by god to overthrow an old kingdom in a spiritual revolution. It’s a narrative that is heavily influenced by the Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, Akhenaten and his life’s journey.
BLACK SEA OF TREES bring to life their themes and concepts through dark atmospheric tones, strong full voiced melodies, falsetto and deep growls. With songs ranging from intense 8-minute long walls of sound to 3-minute atmospheric/acoustic passages, BLACK SEA OF TREES draw inspiration from the likes of OPETH, KATATONIA, CULT OF LUNA, RUSSIAN CIRCLES, and KARNIVOOL. A wide array of styles is entwined into the outfit’s distinctive and compelling sound.
BLACK SEA OF TREES is:
Samuel Exton – Vocals/Guitar
Jan Schotting – Drums
Francesco Adami – Bass
Chris Schwinghamer – Lead Guitar
Connect with BLACK SEA OF TREES:
Bandcamp: https://blackseaoftreesofficial.bandcamp.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackseaoftrees
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC24GQ_gVO_PPBR5TJqmdZpQ
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3zogtBHiOCIaGsOfy7y6oS
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/artist/black-sea-of-trees/946433249
CULT OF THE SUN Track List:
1. Divinity
2. A Red Dawn
3. Servant to the Sun
4. Prophecy
5. Visions of a Crimson Moon
6. Cult of the Sun
7. Omen
8. Field of Reeds
9. Eclipse
10. The Dark Distance (Bonus Track)