Whether environmental or circumstantial, the core trio of Pacific Northwest doomgaze unit Blackwater Holylight found themselves at a crossroads just three years ago. Earning critical acclaim for their work on the third full length entry, Silence/Motion, the band understood that maybe the ceiling had come to close, prompting the unit to consider a drastic change of scenery. 

In what will likely be a pivotal chapter in the band's evolution, Blackwater Holylight took a leap of faith, packed their life up and relocated from Portland, OR to Southern California. While proximity might not factor in too much, the most significant change was the absence of familiarity, the safety net of routine. Changing jobs, finding new social circles, and cultivating a new network of people would prove daunting, though nary distracting the band from their real motive - betting on themselves. 

Likely subscribing to the notion that familiarity breeds complacency, Blackwater Holylight's move was ultimately about removing any distraction from their creative environment. In a new city, surrounded by new people and no failsafe, the trio were faced with a obvious reality - thrive or not. 

Showing glimpses of evolving excellence, Blackwater Holylight would release their criminally under-appreciated EP, If Only You Knew EP last year - a clear indication that the band was in the midst of a creative rejuvenation. Combining delicate melodies with sturdy riffs and subtle electronics was still core to the band's chemistry - only now increasingly sophisticated, better refined. 

A clear precursor to the band's second story arc, Blackwater Holylight would emphatically begin their next chapter with the introduction of their fourth full length, Not Here, Not Gone. Asserting Blackwater Holylight at their most refined, the trio enlisted Sonny Diperri at Sonic Ranch in El Paso, TX, to properly oversee the distillation of ideas that have been marinating since Silence/Motion.

“If there were to be a theme to the album, it would be patience,” explained vocalist/guitarist Faris. “Some of these songs we’ve been working on for three years, just giving the songs time to breath and develop while we were exploring a new place and new lives."

Both measured and meticulous, the depth of Not Here, Not Gone is quantified by the band's ability to maintain their sound, while evolving as songwriters. The familiar components remain - ethereal melodies, hulking riffs and rich, robust sonics are all present - just this time much more effective and emphatic. A shining example of how emotion and environment can be found between the lines of a great song, Blackwater Holylight went all in on themselves and came up big. 

Coinciding with the release of the fourth full length album, Faris along with drummer Eliese Dorsay and guitarist Mikayla Mayhew took time to pen a detailed track-by-track, providing a personal vantage point of their most poignant, polished work to date. 

“How Will You Feel”

This is the most lighthearted song on the album to introduce some new textures we were playing with during writing. This song like many of ours asks questions throughout and is meant to reflect a trance like state of mind.

“Involuntary Haze”

Holds up a mirror to empty promises. Pretending there’s room for someone when your heart’s already full. It’s the moment you realize you’ve been fooled, not by anyone else, but by your own excuses.

“Fade”

A song that is a true stamp in time. It was written during a time of deep confusion and loneliness and is an ode to the big and deep waves of emotion we all experience when our relationships come to an end, they shift or they express something unexpected within it. The sample at the end of this song was taken in our neighborhood in Los Angeles and is an ode to our neighbors and this city that we love.

“Bodies” 

About the experience of being in a human body, self acceptance, and how our bodies are simply a suit for our souls. It is a reminder that our bodies are uniquely ours, that they are temporary homes for something infinite and that we all make a home for ourselves as every day passes.

“Heavy, Why?”

A lyrically light and instrumentally heavy arrangement that cryptically but intentionally speaks to the experience of being disembodied and poses the question simply, of Why? Why is it such a hard, lonely, agonizing and heavy experience to be turned away from Self.

“Giraffe”

This interlude was a collaboration with Dave Sitek to bring you a chunky - left field - bass heavy moment to break up the album and bring an interesting flavor none of the other tracks on the record will give you. 

“Void”

A story that both the lyrics and instrumentals tell. Each section builds on the last and play together with deep intention, rawness and vulnerability. 

“Spades”

Our song to bring to battle. The vocal melody is soft and floating to bring a gentleness to the hostile instrumentals. It is a song to keep in your pocket as a boost of confidence and a reminder you are your own axe. 

“Mourning After”

A song to grieve to. For the lovers that have lost, the regret we face on the other side, and time we lose when our days pass unnoticed. It’s for when we feel broken and unworthy with no intent to try and fix it, and rather just be in what is. 

“Poppyfields”

In dedication to all the victims who lost their homes in the 2025 Los Angeles fires. 

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In support of the band's fourth full length, Blackwater Holylight have also confirmed a healthy touring slate for 2026. The band tops a U.S. trek beginning February 13th in San Diego, CA., extending some 26-stops across the country before circling back to Los Angeles. Blackwater Holylight will then travel abroad, performing Not Here Not Gone in full at Roadburn Festival in the Netherlands in addition to a slew of headlining dates and festival appearances including Desertfest in London and Sonic Rites Fest in Helsinki, Finland.

See the confirmed list of dates and cities below. 

Not Here Not Gone from Blackwater Holylight arrives January 30th via Suicide Squeeze Records. Order the album - HERE