Australian dark metal duo AUSTERE returns with their long-awaited fifth studio album, The Stillness of Dissolution, out on June 6, 2025, via Prophecy Productions. Building on the momentum of their 2024 album Beneath the Threshold, which marked a powerful resurgence after a 13-year hiatus, the duo now ventures deeper into the abyss of sound, exploring the theme of inevitable order arising from chaos.
The album embraces a darker, more refined iteration of AUSTERE’s signature depressive black metal style. While it may appear to hearken back to the roots of their earlier work, the album signals an evolution. The Stillness of Dissolution moves beyond nostalgic regurgitation, exploring more mature sonic territory shaped by the duo’s expanded experience and artistic growth. The melancholic soundscapes that AUSTERE are known for remain intact, but this new release pushes further into uncharted, emotive territories, blending black metal with hints of blackgaze and a heavier introspective influence.
As always, the band’s foundation in early Norse black metal remains audible. The characteristic frostbitten guitars, high-pitched screams, and haunting wails are a direct continuation of their earlier work on their 2007 debut Withering Illusions and Desolation and the subsequent split releases. But AUSTERE’s artistry is anything but stagnant. The duo has matured, both musically and emotionally, shifting into a more profound expression of their craft.
The band’s story began back in 2005 when multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Desolate (Mitchell Keepin) formed AUSTERE as a solo project. Tim Yatras (Sorrow), who contributed drums, keyboards, and vocals, joined soon after. Over the years, AUSTERE became known for their unique take on depressive black metal, with a sound that captivated listeners worldwide, even during their years of inactivity. Their unexpected return in 2021 sparked new life into their music, growing their fanbase through word of mouth and a legacy of quality recordings.
With The Stillness of Dissolution, AUSTERE explore even deeper shades of grey, adding new dimensions to their sonic spaces. As the darkness surrounds them, the album reveals that there’s beauty in dissolution, a theme that is as profound as it is resonant with fans of their genre.
The long wait is over—AUSTERE are back, and they have emerged with an album that promises to leave a lasting impact on the black metal scene. The Stillness of Dissolution is an invitation to dive into a world where darkness reigns, but light still manages to flicker in the most unexpected corners.
Check out the Album here!