The Norwegian prog metal veterans Green Carnation return with their eighth studio album, “A Dark Poem, Part II: Sanguis”. It is the second chapter of their ambitious trilogy “A Dark Poem”, following last year’s acclaimed “The Shores of Melancholia”.
Part II picks up where Part I left off, but I think “Sanguis” is both even more introspective and personal. Sanguis is Latin for “Blood” and the band describes it as their most raw and vulnerable record yet. The main theme explores familial wreckage, blood ties, forgiveness and traumatic memories that come flooding back.
Musically, the album blends prog metal, doom metal and gothic metal with a few extreme touches to create a dark and emotional soundscape. The songwriting is superb, with great melodies, atmospheric passages and heavy, doomy moments that really hit hard. Kjetil’s exceptional vocals shift from extreme to passionate and expressive clean ones.
The production is dynamic, polished and full. The album was produced by Kjetil Nordhus, Stein Roger Sordal and Endre Kirkesola, recorded, mixed and mastered at DUB Studio, engineered and mixed by Endre Kirkesola and Bjørn Harstad, and mastered by Lawrence Mackrory. The cover art is by Niklas Sundin.
All tracks are essential. The epic opener, “Sanguis”, which lasts around nine minutes, demonstrates the band’s trademark sound, with strong melodies and a nice atmosphere.
“Loneliness Untold, Loneliness Unfold” is a wonderful, touching ballad with Stein Roger on lead vocals.
“Sweet to the Point of Bitter” delivers memorable melodies and heavy riffs.
“I Am Time” has an atmospheric prog metal essence. Really strong chorus.
“Fire in Ice” is heavier and more cinematic with various atmospheric touches.
“Lunar Tale” is an atmospheric song featuring acoustic guitars, ‘70s-style synth and flute, played by Ingrid Ose. It leaves you with a melancholic feeling.
“Sanguis (Blood Ties)” is the single version of the opening track. It’s more to the point for those who do not prefer longer tracks.
“Sanguis” puts Green Carnation among 2026’s prog elite. It is thoughtful and emotionally devastating. If you fancy Anathema, Katatonia, later Opeth or My Dying Bride, this album is for you. It’s grandiose, prog, melodic, heavy, atmospheric and totally fascinating! A must-have for all prog metal fans. This is surely one of the best albums of 2026!
