My Silent Wake/The Drowning - Black Lights and Silent Roads [CD]

Item Location: Wisconsin (USA)

2008 Bombworks Records

My Silent Wake:

01. I am (Eternity)
02. Bleak Endless Winter
03. Devoid Of Light
04. Rebirth

The Drowning:

05. The Doomsday Feire
06. Arc Light
07. Silent Epiphany
08. A Photograph

Time: 73:15
Media: Jewel Case (8 panel insert and lyrics)
Origin: UK

Within the gothic doom,death genre it's nearly impossible for critics to avoid the dreaded Peaceville Three cliche' when it comes to describing bands such as My Silent Wake. The three in question are, of course, Anathem, Paradise Lost, and My Dying Bride-all pillars of the UK's legendary and influential Peaceville Records. MSW follows in the footsteps of their elder British staesmen, delivering seven solid and lengthy dirges o' doom on "A Garland of Tears". With this being the band's third full length in as many years, the ideas seem to be flowing quite freely for this dour quintet. "A Garland of Tears" displays a marked sense of maturity within the ranks of its melodic, mournful cry, where guitarist/vocalist Ian Arkley's expansive yet tasteful playing serves as the cornerstone of saddened sensibility. Indeed, Arkley-himself somewhat of a death,doom veteran, having cut his teeth in Australian doom lords Paramaecium-is the star of the show, delivering a charismatic, multifaceted vocal performance. While most of "A Garland of Tears" is a traditional growled opus, Arkley's clean tone is solemn, somber, and stern enough to be commanding, without sounding too weepy or melodramatic. There will be no tears here, this album is a definite winner.

- Outburn Magazine

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