Photosynthesis is a concept album about how plants convert sunlight into energy, how they transform carbon dioxide into the oxygen that all fauna need to breathe. The album's eight tracks each deal with an aspect of photosynthesis, from the macro "Water" to the micro "Palisades," which reflects the theme of botanical lungs on a microscopic level. The album culminates with "Oxygen," holding high the imagery of "Verdant Alveolus Diaspora," the album's core visual theme, depicting the world's forests as a functioning lung system's individual cells, scattered throughout the globe. Photosynthesis is the fourth "collective" album in Botanist's greater discography, meaning it is composed of a group of individuals. Band originator Otrebor (hammered dulcimers, vocals, keyboards) composed the music and lyrics to the drums of returning member Daturus (Botanist's live drummer since 2017, who played on 2019's Ecosystem) and new bassist Tony Thomas.Photosynthesis sees Botanist returning to The Flenser stable, whose partnership yielded three albums, including 2014's VI: Flora, perhaps the project's most noteworthy work.This release was recorded in the Verdant Realm in California. The album production was handled by Dan Swanö, a musician whose legend is equally for his enormous contributions to the Swedish melodic and progressive death metal scenes in the '90s and '00s, as he is for his output of top-shelf album productions from his Unisound studio. The application of Swanö's creative genius in more artistic, avant-garde areas of the metal spectrum is a match of dreams for Botanist, resulting in an album that achieves a new level of the project's expanding vision with production excellence.
Release date:
December 11, 2020
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
HumminGuru: Ultrasonic Vinyl Record Cleaner
Advanced ultrasonic technology with customizable cleaning cycles and a large tank capacity to thoroughly remove dust, dirt, and contaminants
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Technics SL-1500C Turntable
Features a direct-drive motor, a high-precision tonearm, and a premium MM cartridge, delivering exceptional sound quality
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
The Antlers Blight (Pink)
Transgressive
October 10, 2025 -
Oasis (What's The Story) MORNING GLORY? (30Th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) [3xLP]
Big Brother Recordings Limited
October 3, 2025 -
Mötley Crüe From The Beginning [2xLP]
Bmg
September 12, 2025 -
Chrissie Hynde Duets Special
Rhino / Parlophone
October 17, 2025 -
The Replacements Let It Be [4xLP]
Rhino / Ryko
October 24, 2025 -
Glenn Hughes Chosen
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
September 5, 2025 -
Joshua Hedley All Hat
New West Records
October 24, 2025 -
Ruel Kicking My Feet (Red)
Giant Music
October 17, 2025 -
Factory Floor Tell Me
Phantasy Sound
August 29, 2025 -
White Reaper Only Slightly Empty
Blue Grape Music
September 26, 2025 -
Marcus King Darling Blue
Republic Records
September 26, 2025 -
Beyond The Black Break The Silence (Gold)
Nuclear Blast
January 9, 2026 -
Sophie Ellis-Bextor Perimenopop
Republic Records
September 12, 2025 -
Florence + The Machine How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (Blue Marble) [2xLP]
Republic Records
August 29, 2025