Photo by Dylan Garrett Smith

Portland based dreamy drone-gaze/post-metal purveyor FOLIAN‘s debut album, Blue Mirror, will be released on January 31st via Anima Recordings (Folian’s mastermind David Fylstra’s own imprint) on vinyl LP, Cassette, and digital formats, the opus explores ideas such as the duality of being, and the struggle for balance and clarity during a time of intense emotional struggle. The work stems from personal experiences with relationships, depression, fear, emotional dependence, and substance use. Dual meaning plays a prominent role in the album’s theme and lyrics.

Folian’s creator David Stephen Fylstra collaborates with many heavy and experimental acts such as Ramprasad, Flood Peak, KVØID (a collaboration with artist Dylan Garrett Smith), Canadensis, Bible Black Tyrant, The Stargazer Lilies, and Drowse. Folian manages to merge elements of drone, shoegaze, metal, pop, and experimental noise to create a uniquely meditative and cohesive, psychedelic sonic atmosphere using a mix of guitars, vocals, synths, field recordings, and various other instruments to sculpt the sound.

As the third and the final excerpt off the album, Captured Howls is exclusively streaming the 7th track “No Wake”.

Fylstra explained his thinking behind this song:

“Weighed down by the stagnation of living day-to-day in an emotionally foggy state is where this song came from. I wondered why things change so quickly, and what I could’ve done differently, and so-on, almost drowning myself in sorrow. It’s important to remember who you are, who you know yourself to be, and not lose sight of that. You can become better, but you can’t go back again.”

Stream “No Wake” at Captured Howls RIGHT HERE

Previously Released Singles:
“Unwanted”: SPOTIFY || GIGWISE Premiere
“Go Alone”: SPOTIFY || Decibel Premiere

Artwork by Dylan Garrett Smith

Folian is currently touring around the release of Blue Mirror, this time with the drone/ambient counterpart Shifting Harbor, who is also releasing an album. See below the remaining dates.

1/19 @ Crazy Rhythms – San Antonio, TX
1/20 @ The Volstead – Austin, TX*
1/21 @ The NASA – Corpus Christi, TX
1/22 @ Neon Rose – El Paso, TX
1/24 @ Rec Center – Los Angeles, CA
1/25 @ Golden Bull – Oakland, CA*
1/25 @ Pro Arts – Oakland, CA
1/31 @ Boathouse – Portland, OR
2/1 @ Charlie’s Chophouse – Astoria, OR
2/2 @ Gallery 1412 – Seattle, WA

(*Performing together as Canadensis)