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Panopticon

Panopticon | Austin Lunns Atmospheric Black Metal - preorder "Songs of Hiraeth"

Austin Lunn's Panopticon stands as one of the most innovative and emotionally resonant forces in contemporary atmospheric black metal. Since 2007, this Minnesota-based project has redefined what American extreme metal can be, masterfully weaving together crushing black metal with authentic folk influences to create a sound that's both deeply personal and universally moving. Lunn's ability to channel landscapes both physical and emotional into his music has earned him recognition as one of the genre's most important voices.

What sets Panopticon apart is Lunn's fearless integration of American musical traditions into black metal's framework. From the banjo-laden breakthrough of "Kentucky" (2012) to the Norwegian-influenced atmospheres of "Roads to the North" (2014), each release represents a sonic journey through different geographical and emotional territories. This isn't mere novelty – Lunn draws from genuine experience and deep cultural understanding, creating music that feels authentic rather than appropriative.

The project's evolution from the raw, crusty aggression of the self-titled debut to the expansive grandeur of recent works showcases Lunn's remarkable growth as both musician and storyteller. Albums like "Autumn Eternal" and "The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness" demonstrate his ability to craft sweeping narratives that address everything from environmental destruction to personal loss, all while maintaining the intense emotional core that defines great black metal.

"Songs of Hiraeth" represents the culmination of Lunn's artistic journey thus far. The album's exploration of the Welsh concept of hiraeth – that bittersweet yearning for a home that perhaps never was – perfectly encapsulates Panopticon's mission to find beauty in longing and meaning in melancholy. This deeply moving work showcases Lunn's most refined integration of tremolo-picked melodies, atmospheric interludes, and folk elements, creating a sonic landscape that's both haunting and transcendent.

For Fans of:
Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, Saor, Drudkh, Blut Aus Nord

Discography

2008 - Panopticon (Self-released)
2009 - Collapse (Self-released)
2010 - ...on the Subject of Mortality (Self-released)
2011 - Social Disservices (Self-released)
2012 - Kentucky (Bindrune Recordings)
2014 - Roads to the North (Bindrune Recordings)
2015 - Autumn Eternal (Bindrune Recordings)
2018 - The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (Part I & II) (Nordvis Produktion)
2021 - ...and Again into the Light (Bindrune Recordings)
2023 - The Rime of Memory (Bindrune Recordings)
2025 - Laurentian Blue (Bindrune Recordings)
2025 - Songs of Hiraeth

Products with “Panopticon”

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New
PANOPTICON - Laurentian Blue · CRYSTAL CLEAR LP
Crystal clear vinyl LP in poly-lined innersleeve with 3mm spined jacket featuring UV spot print. Background information über 'Laurentian Blue' With "Laurentian Blue", Panopticon ventures beyond…

€20.90*

Preorder. Release 5 September 2025

Preorder
New
PANOPTICON - Laurentian Blue · DIGISLEEVE CD
Digisleeve CD. Background information über 'Laurentian Blue' With "Laurentian Blue", Panopticon ventures beyond the boundaries of metal to explore an entirely different emotional terrain. Though…

€13.90*

Preorder. Release 5 September 2025

Preorder
New
PANOPTICON - Songs Of Hiraeth · DIGISLEEVE CD
Digisleeve CD. Background information über 'Songs Of Hiraeth' Panopticon returns with "Songs of Hiraeth", a deeply moving exploration of longing and belonging that showcases Austin Lunn's masterful…

€13.90*

Preorder. Release 5 September 2025

Preorder
New
PANOPTICON - Songs Of Hiraeth · SILVER 2LP
Double silver vinyl in gatefold sleeve with poly-lined innersleeves. Limited edition. Background information über 'Songs Of Hiraeth' Panopticon returns with "Songs of Hiraeth", a deeply moving…

€28.90*

Preorder. Release 5 September 2025

PANOPTICON - ...And Again into the Light · DIGIPAK CD
CD in gatefold digisleeve with 12-page booklet. Background information über '...And Again into the Light' Man, what a journey this is!Originally released in 2021, "...And Again into the Light"…

€13.90*

Available in 10 days, delivery time 11-15 workdays - available at supplier, will be ordered

PANOPTICON - The Rime Of Memory · DIGISLEEVE CD
CD in Gatefold Digisleeve with 12 page booklet. Background information über 'The Rime Of Memory' The second chapter in Panopticon's trilogy exploring aging, grief, and environmental collapse,"The…

€13.90*

Available in 5 days, delivery time 6-12 workdays - Will arrive soon

PANOPTICON - Logo · PATCH
Black woven patch, approximately 13 x 6.5 cm

€9.90*

Available, delivery time: 1-2 workdays

PANOPTICON - On The Subject Of Mortality · BLUE LP
Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl (electric blue) • Poly-Lined Innersleeve • Insert • Heavy Spined Jacket Background information über 'On The Subject Of Mortality' Panopticon’s "...on the Subject of…

€22.90*

Available in 5 days, delivery time 6-12 workdays - Will arrive soon

PANOPTICON - On The Subject Of Mortality · DIGISLEEVE CD
CD in a gatefold digisleeve with an 8-page booklet. Background information über 'On The Subject Of Mortality' Panopticon’s "On the Subject of Mortality" is a poignant exploration of grief, written…

€13.90*

Available, delivery time: 1-2 workdays

PANOPTICON - Kentucky · DIGISLEEVE CD
Digisleeve CD. Background information über 'Kentucky' What happens when Appalachian folk traditions collide with the raw intensity of black metal? Panopticon's "Kentucky" answers that question…

€13.90*

Available, delivery time: 1-2 workdays

PANOPTICON - Roads Further North · T-SHIRT
Size: L - Large
Size: L 100% cotton Available options Size: M, L, XL

€29.90*

Available, delivery time: 1-2 workdays

PANOPTICON - Roads to the North (10th Anniversary Edition) · BLUE GALAXY 2LP
Blue galaxy double-vinyl. Background information über 'Roads to the North (10th Anniversary Edition)' The wait is nearly at an end for the latest Panopticon opus, "Roads to the North." Following…

€34.90*

Available in 5 days, delivery time 6-12 workdays - Will arrive soon

PANOPTICON - Kentucky · T-SHIRT
100% cotton. Green shirt with black print. Available options Size: M, L

From €24.90*
PANOPTICON - Collapse · GOLD/BLACK SPLATTER 2LP+CD
Gold/black splatter double vinyl + CD. More about 'Collapse' Panopticon's "Collapse" stands as a monumental achievement in atmospheric black metal, weaving together the project's signature blend…

€48.90*

Available, delivery time: 1-2 workdays

PANOPTICON - Revisions Of The Past · DIGIPAK 2CD
8-panel digipak, new artwork by Nate Burns, 16-page booklet with text explanations, liner notes. More about 'Revisions Of The Past' Panopticon's "Revisions Of The Past" is a profound journey…

€16.90*

Available, delivery time: 1-2 workdays

PANOPTICON / WALDGEFLÜSTER - Split · DIGIPAK CD
Brown heavy recycle board 6 panel digipack, limited edition. Background information über 'Split' It's a rare occasion to hear a cooperative work between two artists that fits so well together as this…

€10.90*

Available, delivery time: 1-2 workdays