Wolfe shines in The Dark.
You know how Helena Bonham Carter was the uncrowned queen of macabre films? Well in a way, Chelsea Wolfe should have some type of crown for carrying a similar banner in her own realm, crossing gothic rock and doom metal to nu wave and folk.
Every sub-genre and style I just listed is presented in The Dark, Wolfe’s ninth studio album. The Appalachian folk sounding opener “Cold” welcomes you in with a hint of concern paired with Wolfe’s great vocals. It’s when “Seeth” and “Humours” roll in that you realize this album filled with dread and borderline panic.
This distorted guitars paired with the rhythm section make tracks fly by. “Turn The Key” is a great example of a song making four minutes feels like half the time due to the thick sound.
“Death Is Not The End” doubles down on the impending doom and sound of loss, while the closer “Dancer In The Sky revisits the folksy sound from the beginning. This 40 minute album feels complete through material and emotion.
Wolfe said in an interview: “It’s not party music.” Fair enough, but at no point would I walk out if I heard someone playing something from Chelsea Wolfe in front of a group.
Overall: 8/10
The Dark sounds like a reflection of a haunting,
existential dread that only Chelsea Wolfe could make appealing.
“The Dark is the ninth studio album by the American singer-songwriter Chelsea Wolfe. It was released on August 21, 2026, through Loma Vista Recordings. It was preceded by the singles “The Dark”, “Death Is Not the End”, and the lead single “Cold”. The album was written by Wolfe alongside longtime collaborator Ben Chisholm and songwriter Jennifer Decilveo. Additional contributions come from Robin Finck, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, Matt Chamberlain, Stella Mozgawa, and members of Kælan Mikla.” (Wiki)