The last time we discussed An Autumn for Crippled Children (An Autumn) was back in 2021, where we highlighted how the band’s previous album, As the Morning Dawns, We Close Our Eyes (As the Morning Dawns) emphasized a dream pop and shoegaze sound that their previous albums had not. While the black metal sound we have come to love about An Autumn continues to be the focus, the band has lessened their musical influences, bringing things down to a more simplistic feel. With their tenth full-length, Closure, we can see that their musical labor has been incredibly fruitful. Let’s discuss.

Closure is what I would consider to be an expansion of what the band previously explored on their last record, but it’s not as expansive or as orchestral as As the Morning Dawns was. Here, An Autumn takes their wall of sound approach and dials it back, allowing themselves to sound more hopeful and “happier,” for a lack of a better term. For example, “I See You… But Never Clearly” has this incredibly distinct synth backing that moves into a more melodic line, giving the music a hopeful outlook. Gone is the tempestuous wall of sound that seemed to vibrate into your being. Now, it’s just as simplistic as An Autumn can make it within their scope, with a clear melodic line that can be followed throughout Closure. While the music still borders on the melancholic, these melodic, catchy moments indicate the band might be setting up new foundations for future releases. After all, the word “closure” indicates the resolution of an issue, the end of a chapter. I have a feeling that, with this album, An Autumn quietly wraps up the thematic exploration of an idea that started at the beginning of the pandemic.

Yes, this is still a black metal album, even with the backing shoegaze elements and the more hopeful tones. While it might not be as “sad” as previous albums, Closure still manages to make you feel a sense of sadness. It might not be as painful as one would assume, but it still lingers long after it ends.

However, despite the excellent work they have accomplished on Closure, their production continues to be an issue. An Autumn tends to combine all their instruments – from the guitars to the drums to the vocals – together, creating this almost blown-out atmosphere. None of the tracks here seem to be a highlight or possible single, if you will. If it wasn’t for some creative indicators, such as the piano and snare combination of “As the Void” or the excellent synth solo halfway through “Here Comes Sorrow,” one would think that this whole album is a single 44-minute track with the occasional musical cue or interesting passage that indicates change. I love An Autumn’s blend of post-black metal and shoegaze, but they are pigeonholing themselves into a rut that may or may not be easily solved with some experimentation in their music.

Despite these issues, An Autumn continues to use an impressive array of elements that keeps their albums fresh and distinct from each other. Closure is a testament to their craft, an album that doesn’t overstay its welcome. Although I may have my own gripes with this record, you cannot deny that An Autumn is a stalwart of its genre, a band that is beginning to mature despite their 14-year career. Perhaps moving into unexplored territory, as hinted on “Here Comes Sorrow,” may help elevate the band’s sound into a new realm, adding to their maturity.

— Hera

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Closure will be available now on Prosthetic Records. For more information on An Autumn for Crippled Children, visit their official Facebook page.