Mound of Orchids - Silhouettes EP

Labels: Self-Released/Fiadh Productions

Formats: Digital/Tape

Release Date: 17 Apr 2026

Tracklist:

1. Silhouette of Faith

2. Of Sinew and Blood

3. Swallow Your Sorrow

Blackgaze, the sub-genre that was born out of shoegaze (while encompassing black metal and screamo) is producing some really interesting bands at the moment. The majority are still pretty unknown outside of their local areas, which is certainly the case for Mound of Orchids from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They released their debut EP Silhouettes in April on digital platforms and Fiadh Productions have also released a tape version.

To spread their music before the EP release and to hone their sound, they played alongside a whole host of really great bands across their home state including Italy's Radura (who'll be releasing their newest LP via Dog Knights Productions later this year), Ragana, Sunrot and Respire to name but a few. I'm excited to hear this.

It’s not often that a release starts with piano as majestic as that which opens ‘Silhouette of Faith’. It’s a gentile way to ease into what becomes post-metal tinged blackgaze. It’s atmospheric and anthemic, thanks to the instrumentation while the vocals are very blackened for the most part. Clean vocals are used in the song’s latter half, when the music settles into a brief period of calm. Even though that calm is shattered towards the end, there’s still a sense of brightness.

That opener stretched to over six minutes and it was worth every second. ‘Of Sinew and Blood’ that follows is somewhat shorter and a lot more pensive (if that’s the right word). The harsh vocals sit much deeper in the mix and at a lower volume, as melodic guitars and other musical elements are allowed to breathe. Perfect for an early morning autumn sunrise perhaps.

Ending with ‘Swallow Your Sorrow’, Mound of Orchids go even more expansive. Their black metal/blackgaze hits top gear straight away but it isn’t long before more engrossing instrumentals and clean vocals regain their place on the recording. An awful lot of thought and time has gone into writing these songs and it shows. The contrast between heavy and light on this song in particular is what makes it work so well, as even when it gets heavier later on, it never feels oppressive.

With such a stirring end to the EP, it’s hard not to feel emotional. I found myself reflecting on where I am in life right now and whether or not I’m merely existing. That’s the power that music can have and Mound of Orchids are able to harness that power to create something greater than just notes, and words.

You can stream and purchase Silhouettes digitally via bandcamp below:-

Mound of Orchids - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093998209912

Tape copies from Fiadh Productions are sold out. 

Fiadh Productions - https://www.facebook.com/fiadhproductions