Review: Morke – To Carry On

October 7, 2025

1230

Big Shiny Castles

Morke hails from Minnesota, a state that has produced some very interesting black metal bands. This is a one-person project helmed by Eric Wing that started playing atmospheric black metal in their early works including the 2021 release, We Are The River. Three years later, the project returned but with a transition in style from the previous atmoblack sound to more of the melodic black metal sound with a medieval vibe, a style pioneered by fellow Minnesotans, Obsequiae. The start of this style transition came from last year’s EP, Forged in Steel and Love, which showed promise of what was to come. Including the help of CJ Yacoub again on drums, Morke now has an album debut showing their new style with To Carry On.

To Carry On storms out of the gates in killer style with “Sublymed Respair” which is a strong opener displaying how strong Morke’s execution of melodic black metal riffs can be. The echoing effect on the riffs makes them feel large and bold which will be a trend throughout the album. The next track, “Falling Leaves,” shows off how the pacing in the music is spot on. The drumming from CJ Yacoub is also highlighted on this track. One of my favourite tracks on the album is probably “Ashes of Feudalism.” What makes this track outstanding is how hard the guitars go. There’s also the additional appearance of Tanner Anderson from Obsequiae on guitar for this track and that’s not the only time you’ll hear from him on the record.

Another track that demonstrates how the pacing of Morke’s music is well-executed is “Myne Owne Hertis Rowe.” The transitions in this song from faster-paced sections into the slower dual lead parts are just fantastic. Another song that’s also a standout for the dual lead guitars is “Coup D’oeil;” they just have an enormous sense of place and triumph. The way this track transitions to its faster sections is just outstanding as well. This is also where Tanner from Obsequiae is involved but on vocals, adding to an already great song. This probably gives listeners something they’ve missed from Tanner since the last Obsequiae record. Next comes an instrumental interlude section in “Viola Odorata.” While it does feel a little too long, it has more than enough variety to keep it interesting.

Following the interlude is “Crystalline Firmament” which is really well structured from the slow brewing dual leads and goes hard on the guitar solo. There’s a great sense and feeling of triumph and accomplishment from that solo. Another killer track that I really enjoyed on this album is “Wisteran Arbor” that excels through the variety in the guitar-work. The fast moments on this song are also absolute bliss to hear. While I haven’t talked as much about the vocals throughout this album, there is not much to say for them besides they’re fantastic with their vicious edge while fitting well with the mystical and grandiose music. Finishing off this album is the title track “To Carry On” that is a very nice closer to the album. One thing I really liked about this track is the echoe-y guitars which remind me of Obsequiae’s The Palms of Sorrowed Kings in a positive way.

To Carry On is an astonishing record and is quite possibly the best release in Morke’s discography. Listening to this record was enjoyable with its grandiose instrumental efforts, the vicious black metal vocals and the sense of triumph and adventure you feel throughout the album’s journey. Eric has done a great job in the execution of this project’s musical direction; Eric gives it their own spin as well as additional influences from ’90s European melodic death metal that makes this effort a blissful experience with its own character. This is probably going to be one of my favorite black metal releases this year as well as being a very strong Top 10 of 2025 contender. It’s a very high recommendation from me on this majestic and uplifting melodic black metal journey of a record.