Splendidula – Absentia

Splendidula
Absentia
Label: Argonauta Records
Out: 3^rd April 2026
Playing time: 42:59

Splendidula hails from Temse (East Flanders, Belgium) and plays atmospheric Black/Doom Metal. The band was formed in 2008 in Genk (Limburg, Belgium). None of the original members, who were initially more focused on Sludge/Doom Metal, remain in the band today. Singer Kristien Cools has been with the band since 2012 and has therefore sung on all of the band’s albums, as the self-titled debut was not released until 2013. In the years that followed, various singles and two further albums were released. However, five years have now passed since “Somnus”. The follow-up, “Absentia”, is now complete.

The title track ‘Absentia’ opens the album. It begins with a deep bass line, followed by heavily distorted guitar riffs. Kristien Cools’ vocals are calm and have a slightly nasal edge. Behind this, the drums rumble. Timothy James ‘Tim’ Yatras (Austere, Autumn’s Dawn, Germ, Ghost Tree) can be heard as the vocal (growl) partner. Later on, Kristien really screams her heart out, driven by double bass drum attacks. Clean guitars, together with the bass, provide quieter sections. ‘Echoes Of Quiet Remain’ is a bit faster. Once again, the clear vocals dominate at first, underpinned by a heavy drumbeat. The singer is supported by Aaron Stainthorpe (High Parasite, ex-My Dying Bride). And then Kristien’s vicious screams return. It’s astonishing how loud and angry this petite woman can shout. Especially when you hear her clear, powerful vocals in contrast. ‘Donkerte’ starts off ballad-like. Shortly afterwards, heavy riffs are accompanied by melodic synths. Kristien Cools shows that she is also a really good singer. But even here, it wouldn’t work without her vicious screams. This song is arguably the melodic highlight of the album. At the start of “Dalkuldar”, you can hear gentle synth strings. Later, Kristien’s spoken vocals are added. But it’s more of a brief, contemplative interlude. And – surprise – without a single scream. “Kilte” then kicks off with these. It’s a wonder the singer doesn’t end up hoarse. And I think the Death Metal growls come from her too. The fact that she got through the screams without complaint is evident later in the clean vocal passages. Drummer Joachim Taminau drives his fellow musicians on relentlessly. But guitarist Guy Van Campenhout, together with singer Kristien, provides calm, even contemplative moments in between. ‘Let It Come To An End’ is introduced by piano notes and heavy riffs. Kristien Cools’ vocals sound slightly nasal again, but with a beautiful melody. This time, the growls are likely provided by guitarist Guy Van Campenhout. But Kristien’s trademark – that abysmally evil, loud screaming – is not to be missed either.

Listening closely to the album ‘Absentia’ is hard work. The screams of frontwoman Kristien Cools literally pierce you to the core. It is very rare to hear such a wide range of vocal nuances. But the musicians, led by the vocalist, also put in over forty minutes of gruelling, sweat-inducing hard work. This album is sure to divide the Metal community, given how unwieldy some of the songs are. All in all, Splendidula’s music is a thoroughly interesting splash of colour.

Splendidula (feat. Aaron Stainthorpe) – Echoes Of Quiet Remain: https://youtu.be/6tuzT0jWt6A?si=Wms6mba5DR8l2yZu

Lineup:

Kristien Cools – Vocals
Joachim Taminau – Drums, Bass, Synths
Guy Van Campenhout – Guitars, Vocals

Track list:

• Absentia (Feat. Tim Yatras)
• Echoes Of Quiet Remain (Feat. Aaron Stainthorpe)
• Donkerte
• Dalkuldar
• Kilte
• Let It Come To An End