ROYAL SORROW - Innerdeeps

ROYAL SORROW

Album: Innerdeeps

Genre: Modern Progmetal

Release Date: September 26th, 2025

Country: Finland

Label: InsideOut

Band Links: LINKTREE / BANDCAMP / FACEBOOK

Risen from the Edge of Haze, whose 'Convoy of Ruins' totally blew my mind in 2022, the Finish modern Progmetal band is "back" with a new moniker - ROYAL SORROW - and a debut album at the renowned label InsideOut! "Innerdeeps" got its release on September 26th, looking for listeners who seek more than just sound, but craving meaning, catharsis, and depth. 

Opener "Let Go" has a dreamy intro, then grows into a heavy Rock song with fat guitar und well-produced synth soundscapes, also introducing the marvelous voice of Markus Hentunen who'll carry us over the next 44 minutes. My first highlight - "Metrograve" - starts with intriguing electronic sounds, then constantly builds up tension towards the chorus where they break the shackles - lyrically and musically. The thoughtful interlude gives a moment to rest  before they go all in again.

"Samsara" is another favorite here, showing Royal Sorrow's strength in combining highly addictive melodies with dynamic song-writing, pushing rhythm patterns, and  vigorous bass / guitar work. Next up they encourage the listener to "Release your Shadow", taking us on a vocal-driven journey about learning to accept imperfection – a celebration of uniqueness. While the first half is rather soft, the harsh second part lifts it up to a powerful closing.

Over the next songs, they further play with these ingredients, weave poppy background sounds and catchy choruses into heavy riffs and djenty rhythm patterns, spiced up with some growls here and there. Each track works well on its own, different enough to be easily recognizable, and yet fits into the overall album context.

Royal Sorrow offer modern Progmetal with a wide range from Melodeath to Pop, flawlessly melting soft- and heaviness with highly addictive melodies. Sometimes close to cheesy, but always with a certain melancholy in their music, which makes the difference for me, so does the hard-hitting bass and the rather raw guitar sound. The whole production is absolutely professional, sound- and visual-wise, without the lack of emotion and variety. Clearly one of this year's highlights for me. 

And they'll be touring Europe in October / November opening for Leprous. Check the dates here. 

Written by Katha

Line-Up: 

Markus Hentunen – Vocals, guitars
Eero Maijala – Bass
Janne Mieskonen – Drums

Track-List: 

1. Let Go
2. Metrograve
3. Samsara
4. Release Your Shadow
5. Evergreen
6. Survival Complex
7. Bloodflower
8. Looking Glass
9. Give In
10. Innerdeeps