Five songs examining the dark subconscious, self-destruction, horror, existential dread and nihilism make up STRICKEN's second album, From Dark Dimensions An Unspeakable Presence Awakens. Horror Pain Gore Death Productions will release the record on CD and digital platforms on November 6, 2026.
The Seattle, Washington-area blackened sludge metal trio recorded the album themselves. Guitarist Nick Charlton engineered the sessions, while drummer Chris Wozniak handled the mix. The announcement describes material that moves between faster passages, oppressive sections and deep grooves, incorporating experimental arrangements.
James Plotkin mastered the record at Plotkinworks; his credits cited in the announcement include Khanate, Earth and Amarok. Visual artist Tom Denney, whose work includes Black Cobra, Soilent Green and Weedeater, created the cover artwork.
STRICKEN began with bassist/vocalist Rob Ropkins and Charlton collaborating as a duo. Ropkins' background includes Deadly Light, Pipefitter, North American Bison and Pinned Red. Wozniak, associated with Lair Of The Minotaur, Earthen Grave and I Klatus, joined in 2017 after moving to Seattle and answering a Craigslist advertisement that named Celtic Frost, Coffins and Autopsy as influences.
Within a year of Wozniak joining, STRICKEN recorded a demo in his garage and began performing regionally. Their seven-song 2022 album, From A Well Of Emptiness, A Stygian Serpent Born, was recorded by friend and local engineer Tom Thew and released through Horror Pain Gore Death.
The new album's announcement places its musical approach alongside Neurosis, Inter Arma, Yob, Conan, Celtic Frost, Triptykon, Craft and High On Fire. It also recommends STRICKEN to listeners of Primitive Man, Rwake, Lair Of The Minotaur, Minsk, Graves At Sea and Bongripper.
- Dust From The Grave
- Darkness Impenetrable
- Moonless
- Touch Of Corruption
- From Nothing To Nothing
Physical copies and merchandise are available for preorder through Horror Pain Gore Death Productions, with digital preorders and presaves also offered. STRICKEN are working on regional dates to support the record and are already developing new music.
The members are available for interviews by email, Zoom and other formats. Interview and coverage requests can be directed to EARSPLIT PR at dave@earsplitcompound.com.
