Poland's Ols, a one-woman project by Anna Maria Olchawa, has shared a deeply emotional and sonically rich new single and video, "światło III" (light III). The third track from Ols' approaching album, Poświaty, set for release in May 2025 via Pagan Records, delves into themes of loss, the closure of life chapters and the arduous search for a new direction in a desolate world.

"światło III", which follows the previously unveiled singles "O niej" (About Her) and "proch kość liść" (dust bone leaf), paints a poignant picture of being suddenly alone, grappling with a past that has irrevocably shut its doors. The lyrics, including the powerful lines "long lost summer / shed skin molt / but I go on / empty / to carry your flame further", explore the reliance on memories and fading ideals as the sole signposts in an unfamiliar existence. Ols describes the song as a journey through atmospheric post-black landscapes, where dark romanticism intertwines with ethereal qualities and the raw power of metal instrumentation.

Musically, "światło III" showcases a unique blend of influences. Ols incorporates Anna Maria's newfound appreciation for the accordion, an instrument she once considered "kitschy and vulgar", now finding its place alongside the metal elements, inspired by artists like Agalloch and legendary Polish band Lux Occulta. Departing from her typical smooth vocal harmonies, Ols opts for non-obvious intervals and subtle dissonances, creating a sense of underlying anxiety beneath the calm melody. Listeners may even detect a fleeting black metal screech lurking in the background, adding another layer of darkness to the song.

Thematically, the new album, Poświaty, delves into the formative period between childhood and adulthood, exploring themes of personal mythology, the transformative power of love and the inevitable pain of loss. Link