Tarlung - Axis Mundi Album Review: Sludge, Doom, and Psychedelic Evolution (2026)

Get ready to have your ears blown off—Tarlung, the Austrian doom metal powerhouse, is back with Axis Mundi, and it’s anything but business as usual. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this their most mature work to date, or just a polished iteration of their signature sludge? Let’s dive in.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2013 with their self-titled debut—released a mere six months after forming and without a single live show under their belts—Tarlung has been a force to reckon with. With two more full-lengths (Beyond the Black Pyramid in 2017 and Architect in 2021) and a solid touring history, the band now delivers their fourth album in nearly five years. Known for their thick, resinous doom and smoky sludge, Tarlung has always been about the almighty riff. But Axis Mundi raises the question: are they simply refining their sound, or are they redefining it entirely?

Guitarists Rotten and Phillip Seiler continue to unleash ear-shattering riffs, though their tone has grown less fuzzy over the years. Tracks like “State Noise” and “Between the Earth and Moon” showcase their swampy, muscle-bound grooves, while “Swans” adds a bluesy swagger that feels both familiar and fresh. Seiler’s Akerfeldt-inspired roars, paired with Marian Weibl’s relentless drumming, create the sonic weight Tarlung is celebrated for. Fans of Crowbar, High on Fire, and Dopethrone will find plenty to love here. And this is the part most people miss: Axis Mundi isn’t just more of the same—it’s a bold step forward, introducing refined psychedelia and vocal experimentation that sets it apart from their earlier work.

Take “Burning Out,” for example. Its airy, soft-strummed opening and subdued clean vocals evoke a serene image: lying in a country field, exhaling smoke, and watching light filter through dew-kissed daffodils. Even when the track intensifies with chugging riffs and Seiler’s growls return, the warmth remains. “Sea of Drowned Souls” doubles down on experimentation, blending mournful melodies with clean vocals from Thérèse Lanz and Casey Rogers of Mares of Thrace. The vocal interplay between Seiler and Lanz is particularly striking, with Lanz’s blackened screams contrasting Seiler’s guttural delivery. These tracks aren’t just highlights—they’re the heart of Axis Mundi.

This album feels like Tarlung at their most mature. The songwriting is beautifully simplistic yet wildly effective, chipping away at any initial critiques. What initially seemed like a lagging back half quickly grew addictive, with laid-back melodies like “Full Circle” (channeling Matt Pike of High on Fire) and the Crowbar-esque pounding of the title track. Clocking in at just 38 minutes, it’s a repeat-worthy ride. Sure, there are moments where the riffs get a bit muddy—like the bluesy main riff of “Swans”—but they’re minor hiccups in an otherwise immersive experience.