With a career spanning nearly 25 years, Evoken has easily become the most consistent and haunting band in the funeral doom sub-genre. Although they do not release albums often, you can pretty much expect a near masterpiece every time. 'Atra Mors' was my 2012 Metal Album of the Year and although there have been some killer releases this year, 'Hypnagogia' just may be my MAOTY for 2018. Evoken has mastered a formula that just seems to works for them-- gothic-infused funeral doom with the occasional speed riff thrown in. Not to mention, the songwriting on 'Hypnagogia' is impeccable, which makes listening to all of these tracks extremely enjoyable. Songs such as "Valorous Consternation", "Schadenfraude", and "The Weald Of Perished Men" are all very different but very much represent what Evoken is all about. One of my favorite tracks, is the 3 minute 54 second instrumental title track. Although a song length this short would normally be considered a filler track on an Evoken album, "Hypnagogia" is an amazing song with a beautiful riff and haunting keyboard melody. If you're a fan of funeral doom, this is definitely the album for you. For everyone else, this is the album that I recommend you listen to if you're interested in getting into funeral doom. There is a lot to explore on this album and a true listening experience will take you to places you never knew existed!