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The mysterious solo endeavor known as Merfolk resurfaces with "Sundaland," a boundary-pushing album that fuses emotional intensity with mythic storytelling and sonic experimentation. Spearheaded by Patrick Loisel of AUGURY, a multi-instrumentalist, Native-descended artist, and former physics teacher, Merfolk is far more than a band. It’s a singular vision brought to life by one mind and many hands. Every step of the creative process, from composing and crafting instruments to engineering the sound and directing the visuals, is handled entirely by Loisel himself. No session players. No pre-recorded crutches. Just pure, unfiltered artistry.

Merfolk channels the spirit of Emperor, Mayhem, Hollenthon, Mercyful Fate, and a trove of obscure '70s experimental sounds, forging a unique blend of post-black metal, classical instrumentation, and narrative-rich, sociological lyricism. The songwriting draws from ancient migratory myths and uncanny architectural echoes across the Pacific, all filtered through the artist’s wildly eclectic life, one that began with a childhood literature award and later included the care of over 300 tarantulas.
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The newest offering, "Sundaland," is named after a submerged continent in Southeast Asia and explores the mythic aftermath of a prehistoric flood. From the haunting warnings of floating entrail-ghosts (Krasue) to the desperate offerings to misunderstood sea monsters, the album weaves a narrative that’s as unsettling as it is cinematic.
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Musically, "Sundaland" is a leap from Merfolk’s earlier work "Demersal," trading whistling and early synths for miked classical instruments, violin, cello, double bass, and piano, played by the artist himself. The fretless bass was custom-built, and electronic drums were introduced for a cleaner yet still furious sound. The result? A sound described in five words: eclectic, psychedelic, spooky, unusual, furious.
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The album’s flagship single, "Castaways," is a melancholic, ambient piece born from emotional turmoil. Its music video is a surreal spectacle of psychedelic practical effects, reminiscent of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. Filmed in near-total darkness with handmade puppets and props, some collapsing mid-shoot, the video captures the eerie beauty of survivors scavenging sunken ruins and encountering a newly revealed civilization.
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Watch the full visual experience in "Castaways", where Merfolk’s DIY ethos and cinematic ambition collide.

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Unveiled on May 26th, 2025, "Sundaland" by Merfolk transcends the boundaries of a traditional album; it's a plunge into a myth-soaked realm where metal meets mysticism. This sonic excavation unearths ancient lore and raw emotional terrain, offering a listening experience that’s as intense as it is unpredictable. For those drawn to the arcane and the avant-garde, Sundaland is a must. And for the fearless few ready to descend deeper, the abyss awaits.
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​"Sundaland" is available at https://artists.landr.com/990591564626​

More info: https://www.melogy.ca/merfolk | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553443841461