Belgian atmospheric black doom band Splendidula unveils the lyric video for Donkerte from their album Absentia, which was released in April 2026 by Argonauta Records. A song about an empty existence, fading hope, and the longing for eternal rest.
Splendidula’s fourth album opens a new chapter in the band’s history. Written in the aftermath of the loss of several loved ones, including bassist Peter Chromiak in 2022, the album is shaped by themes of grief, depression, and loss. Splendidula blends black metal and doom with fragile atmospheric passages, drenched in grief and sorrow.
The band comments: “The title Donkerte means “darkness” in Dutch. The song grew from riffs originally written by our former bassist Peter Chromiak, who passed away in 2022. Peter named the song ‘Donkerte’, and we chose to keep the name while completing it in honour of his memory. Through Donkerte, a part of Peter continues to live on in our music. Lyrically, the song delves into an endless darkness, an overwhelming sense of isolation and hopelessness, where death begins to feel like the only escape. It captures the feeling of being consumed by darkness, with no light or way out in sight.”
Listen to the full album ‘Absentia’ on all streaming services. Also available on vinyl and CD at Argonauta Records or Bandcamp
UPCOMING LIVE DATES
16/10/26 – Warlord, Ath (BE)
06/11/26 – Ammo Underground Night, Graz (AT)
07/11/26 – Rockle Klub, České Budějovice (CZ)
15/11/26 – Le Klub, Paris (FR)
20/11/26 – Asgaard, Ghent (BE)
26/02/27 – De Donkerste Beurs, Bruges (BE)
20/03/27 – Fatal Fest, Ypres (BE)
SPLENDIDULA is:
Drums, Bass & Synths – Joachim
Vocals – Kristien
Guitar & Vocals – Guy
CREDITS
Recorded by JDB at Kosmik Womb
Mixed by Tim De Gieter at Much Luv Studio
Mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music
Lyric video by Artifacts From The Tangent Universe
Visuals by Cottonbro Studio & Emirkhan Bal
LINKS: Bandcamp – Instagram – Facebook – YouTube – Spotify
