Spirit Adrift - Infinite Illumination (2026)

Riding off into the sunset on a high note, today we have Nate Garrett and Spirit Adrift with their last release: “Infinite Illumination”. Not even advertised until its release date, this album delivers eight tracks and 46 minutes of crafty Doom/Heavy Metal featuring a plethora of sick riffs and a very mellow headbanging vibe. Slowly evolving from more of a classical Doom Metal core, into Heavy Metal territories, this band has managed to deliver consistency and quality music over the years, and while sad to see them go, we are glad they leave with a bang.

Opening with the crushing guitars of “Infinite Illumination”, the band instantly sets a very old-school Doom Metal vibe with a very Candlemass-esque progression. Having set a high bar from the get go, the band pummels through: “Window Within” and its crunchy guitars, “You Will Never Hold The Key” with its retro guitar leads, and the playful “Born In A Bad Way” which quickly had us headbanging. The band has never shied away from making simple and yet direct songs that are both heavy and melodic, featuring great versatility and craftiness.

By the time the twangy “Buried in the Shadow of the Cross” comes around, we can’t help but realize that we are nearing the end for the band’s efforts. So, we switch back to enjoy life at its fullest mode with the upbeat “White Death” coming in with its menacing attitude and enjoyable catchiness. “I Am Sustained” is definitely one of the more intense songs in this release with its ripping guitars and engaging drumming. While many Classical Doom/Heavy Metal releases tend to get repetitive at this point, this release has quite the opposite effect.

Nate Garrett and company had something special going on with Spirit Adrift and it is definitely sad to see them go with “Infinite Illumination”. We can’t stop the latter, we can only enjoy the band’s body of work and contributions to the genre. While everybody is trying to sound alike in this scene, these guys carved their own path with solid musicianship and plenty of engaging ideas. If you are fan of bands like Candlemass, Khemis, High on Fire, etc. then do not miss out on these guys, and be prepared to headbang and bob your head to the band’s intoxicating rhythms.

Rating: 95/100