Review by Rachel Jablonski
Dark atmosphere. Deep words. A poetry reading? Something from William Blake? Or from Sylvia Plath perhaps.
Daddy, I have had to kill you.
You died before I had time –
Marble-heavy, a bag full of God,
Ghastly statue with one gray toe
Big as a Frisco seal
Though mere words, the feelings conveyed in “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath are undeniably soaked with anger and doom. Now add to this setting a complimentary musical backdrop. This is the essence of British band My Dying Bride. Dark moods. Organ-like doom-filled keyboards. Gripping guitars. Distant drums beats with occasional double kicks. Dejected words poetically flourish over a heavy, yet relaxing musical stimulant.
My Dying Bride has been a well kept secret having twelve albums released with the latest one Songs of Darkness: Words of Light being the first brought to my attention. The album comes off as a soundtrack for certain moments. Appreciable moments such as a quiet evening alone in candle lit darkness or release from dreadful times such as a depressing 9-5 workday. But not all will enjoy its overwhelming power and certainly not everyone all of the time. The long, dramatic songs seem depressing, dark, and doomful throughout the album delightfully coming across as conceptual even if not deliberately. This is atmospheric music apt for appreciators of artistic notions. The feeling of the album is heavy and intense as heard through low tuned music and powerful vocals. But oddly enough, the effect on the listener is an enlightening and positive experience if heard with an open-mind and laid back ear.
If intently listened to the lyrics will reflect descriptive notions of love, hate, faith, and God perhaps metaphorically or perhaps in a blatant sense. The vocals are set forth soft and gently, but never mask the severity and doom in album tone. Growls and nonsensical ramblings begin the album. Whispers, spoken word, and melodies follow flowing poetically throughout the release.
The dark song called “Catherine Blake” makes reference to God and the lyrical poetry is passionate. Without direct indication, the song perhaps implies a regard for Catherine Blake, wife of poet William Blake. A slow vocal steadiness begins the song with guitar distortion followed by a smooth guitar riff and slow, steady beats. This builds to heavy guitar and double bass drum along with growls and screams creating tension. Rich keyboard accompanies dramatic spoken word breaks. Though unsure what the connection between song and person may exactly be, the tune and melody are pleasantly memorable, dementedly relaxing, and furiously thought-provoking.
The album overall seems to carry on an epic story. Though songs blend together smoothly not all tracks are the same in nature. “My Wine in Silence” starts with sweet sounds – a calm guitar riff, slow percussion, and graceful keys that are nice, soft, and darkly pleasurable. Despite keeping with the resounding doomful theme, the song is slightly more upbeat somehow. “Blue Lotus” contains a heavier core all the way through the song. The diversity of tracks in the midst of a common thematic is entrancing.
Songs of Darkness: Words of Light is a dark doom metal album with thoughtful lyrics and soothing sounds. With intense imagery, simultaneous harsh yet gentle tones, and tranquil nature I just might have to declare this one of the most impressionable albums brought to my attention this year.