Blackwater Holylight
Not Here Not Gone


4.5
superb

Review

by PsychicChris USER (692 Reviews)
February 4th, 2026 | 43 replies


Release Date: 01/30/2026 | Tracklist

Review Summary: A little extra time for some heavier doomgaze

Having come off a four-year studio gap with last year’s If You Only Knew EP, Blackwater Holylight makes a proper return with their fourth full-length album. Not Here Not Gone may come off a somewhat wishy-washy title but the doomgaze group’s approach seems to have only gotten heavier in that time. The guitars are more noticeably aggressive this time around and the rhythm section manages the energy. The keyboards and synths also feel more subtle, a move emphasized by the group having since downsized again to a trio configuration (give or take a couple guest players) since this was recorded.

Thankfully the band doesn’t lose too much sight of their psychedelic side as their signature lush haze continues to waft throughout. Even the heaviest riffs can have a gentle build to them and be filtered through atmospheric effects. The vocals are also delivered exclusively in their usual mid-range cleans, providing a reassuring presence. I have to note the irony of this album expanding upon the harsher vocals that colored 2021’s Silence/Motion, but it fits what seems to be a more stripped down approach.

And with the album’s ten tracks totaling to more than any other they’ve done, it’s interesting to see how the songwriting pans out. The opening “How Will You Feel” trudges in without too much fanfare but sets up “Involuntary Haze” well, that song bringing in a smooth chorus alongside its driving plod. The chugs on “Bodies” and “Spades” are downright nasty while the aptly titled “Heavy, Why?” puts in an upbeat pivot halfway through that is paid off with the almost blackened climax of the closing “Poppyfields.” It’s also nice to see some soft glimmers and more gradual builds shine toward the back half with “Void To Be” and “Fade.”

Overall, Not Here Not Gone is strong enough to show that Blackwater Holylight benefitted from a little extra time between full-lengths. They probably could’ve played with the contrasts a bit more, the electronics on “Giraffe” in particular make me wonder how it could’ve gone down as a proper song rather than a halfway interlude. But at the same time, it’s neat to see how these heavier elements are tempered with enough atmosphere to still feel comforting. It’s another quality installment from a consistent band and I can imagine these songs being some of their best suited to play live.



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user ratings (42)
3.8
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
AlkemestRedux
Contributing Reviewer
February 4th 2026


1401 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Great review! Gotta give this a listen. I've only really heard them from features on the last Acacia Strain album.

botb
February 4th 2026


19949 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

That opener is really great, enjoying this

Futures
Staff Reviewer
February 4th 2026


17684 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

nice one chris, i'm forever amazed by your output. i also heard them on the acacia strain album. excited to check this out, your description of it sounds great.

PsychicChris
February 4th 2026


452 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Today I learned they featured on Acacia Strain. Neat.

Futures
Staff Reviewer
February 4th 2026


17684 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

it's a monster over 10 minute song they are on, check it out!

Dewinged
Emeritus
February 5th 2026


33166 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Sweet, should have known you'd review this one Chris. Gave it a quick pass yesterday and excited to dive into it.

Dewinged
Emeritus
February 5th 2026


33166 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Excellent stuff, reminds me of a more shoegazy, sludgy version of Healthyliving

Dewinged
Emeritus
February 5th 2026


33166 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

wtf, i reviewed the last one 5 years ago, i just remembered lol

Futures
Staff Reviewer
February 5th 2026


17684 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

this is great man. a really nice balance between the ethereal tracks and the more heavy ones. absolutely killer atmosphere. heavy, fuzzy, dreamy, a bit psychedelic, all that you want! vocals really go well with this kind of sound. bookends were my favorite as well as fade and void to be. poppyfields blast beats came out of nowhere, hope they explore that sound a bit more.



only real complaint is a few of the hooks are a bit too cloying. but otherwise this was awesome. gorgeous sound, need more of stuff like this for sure!

AlkemestRedux
Contributing Reviewer
February 5th 2026


1401 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Like floating through a somewhat menacing pond in the middle of an eclipse

botb
February 5th 2026


19949 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Yeah this rules, favorite thing I’ve heard this year so far

WalrusTusk
February 5th 2026


2044 Comments

Album Rating: 3.0

I dug the vibes of the album, but it started to lose my interest towards the second half. Stuff like "Fade" is so good, but there's not enough of that to keep my attention the whole way through.

botb
February 6th 2026


19949 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

This is like if the cranberries were reverbed out as fuck and had the thiccest sludgy bass tone you’ve ever heard

Wildcardbitchesss
February 6th 2026


20474 Comments


gazey stoner doom? I’m down. Nice review, might check the EP first before I dive into a full length

jemaiseyeti
February 6th 2026


397 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Wow, great stuff!

MTObsidian
February 6th 2026


734 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

This is hitting so right today, great album so far and I'm only three songs in. Will finish and rate later for sure.

kevbogz
February 6th 2026


6755 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

p fair step up from their last alb but just curious when we're gonna admit this is average/decent doomgaze played by hot chicks





Relinquished
February 6th 2026


50131 Comments


they’re talented so nah this is better than average

kevbogz
February 6th 2026


6755 Comments

Album Rating: 3.5

it's literally 2-3 chords every single song bro lol

Futures
Staff Reviewer
February 6th 2026


17684 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

didn't even know it was all women lol



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