My Dying Bride has long been a bastion for the gothic doom genre, weaving despondent tales with a masterful command of melody and melancholy. Their latest release, “A Mortal Binding,” continues this tradition, deepening the dark tapestry of their music landscape. Released via Nuclear Blast, this album marks a poignant chapter in the band’s storied career, combining their signature gloom with fresh, introspective explorations of pain and beauty.
From the outset, “Her Dominion” sets a commanding tone with its potent riffs and Aaron Stainthorpe’s gripping vocals. The track’s dynamic structure showcases My Dying Bride‘s ability to evolve thematically while staying true to their roots, presenting a complex layering of sounds that feels both ancient and immediate. The integration of Jeff Singer’s meticulous drumming complements the guitar work splendidly, adding a robust backbone to the album’s opener.
“Thornwyck Hymn,” with its soaring melodies and Stainthorpe’s expressive clean vocals, contrasts deeply with the dense, dirge-like riffs that My Dying Bride is known for. This track exemplifies the band’s unique ability to juxtapose sheer weight with aching beauty, creating a sound that is as haunting as it is enchanting.
The album’s centerpiece, “The Apocalyptist,” is a monumental track that stretches over ten minutes, encapsulating the quintessence of My Dying Bride‘s artistry. Here, Shaun MacGowan’s violin not only enhances the atmosphere but drives the narrative forward, intertwining seamlessly with the guitars to build a profound auditory experience. Aaron’s vocal delivery, ranging from pained growls to melancholic croons, traverses an emotional spectrum that is compelling and deeply human.
“The 2nd of Three Bells” and “Unthroned Greed” maintain the album’s lofty standards, with the former providing a deliberate, funereal pace that showcases the band’s skill in crafting immersive, mood-driven music. The latter track, though slightly less memorable, still stands strong on the album with its methodical pacing and layered instrumentation.
However, “A Mortal Binding” is not without its flaws. Some tracks, such as “Unthroned Greed,” could benefit from a more developed thematic depth and varied instrumentation to break the monotonous stretches that slightly muddle its mid-section. Yet, these moments are few and are vastly outweighed by the album’s strengths.
Closing the album, “Crushed Embers” is a brilliant finale that encapsulates the essence of My Dying Bride—melodic, sorrowful, and complex. The track’s melodic guitar arpeggios and syncopated drum patterns are a high note, ending the album on a powerful and reflective note.
“A Mortal Binding” underscores My Dying Bride‘s persistent impact on the doom metal scene. It is an album that expertly balances crushing intensity with delicate poignancy, offering listeners a rich, cinematic experience. The production, handled by Mark Mynett, gives each song a spacious, polished sound that highlights the band’s dynamic range.
Rating: 8.5/10
My Dying Bride‘s “A Mortal Binding” is a compelling listen that beautifully captures the essence of gothic doom with its intricate compositions and emotive storytelling. While it explores familiar themes of despair and decay, it also offers glimpses of serene beauty and complexity that are both refreshing and deeply satisfying. This album not only reinforces the band’s status as genre pillars but also as artists capable of poignant introspection and profound musical expression. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to their music, “A Mortal Binding” is a profound journey through the depths of human emotion and gothic grandeur.
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Track-listing:
Her Dominion 6:11
Thornwyck Hymn 6:48
The 2nd of Three Bells 6:52
Unthroned Creed 7:00
The Apocalyptist 11:22
A Starving Heart 7:29
Crushed Embers 9:02
My Dying Bride are:
Andrew Craighan (guitars)
Aaron Stainthorpe (vocals)
Lena Abé (bass)
Shaun MacGowan (keyboards, violin)
Dan Mullins (drums)
Neil Blanchett (guitars)
Social Links: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
Place of Origin: England
Album Release Date: April 19, 2024
Record Label: Nuclear Blast Records
Genre: Doom Metal
