No strangers to this band here we have reviewed almost every album they have released and at least a live show or two. They continue this journey from death metal into gloomy rock while self-identifying as goths. The sung vocals that open the first song solidify this; this may be the final step over this threshold for them. Johannes has sung before this time they are really committed to it. The growled vocals do not surface until the second song. This makes it feel more like Fields of the Nephilim. I think "Saturn Coming Down" makes it clear that one of the key benefits of including sung vocals is it keeps them from sounding like a mellower version of Watain. However, I do think the melody has superseded the last vestiges of aggression needed to still consider this a death metal band.
It does not matter if they are death metal as they are writing good songs. Some of these songs are going to take a few listens to sink in. It could be a little heavier than it is, but this is where they were at when it came down to writing songs, and this has been a long time coming. 'Drink the Love of God" almost has more of a post-punk feel to it. The breakdown where the guitar solo lands in this song is really cool. They mellow out into a 69 Eyes-like power ballad for "Murder In Red"It builds up into a punchy riff that would be heavy on a 69 Eyes album but not on a Tribulation album. Almost to the point of needing to consider a name change. There is some great guitar work on this album, though I expect it is going to be divisive.
The growls do return on "Time," which works. Perhaps they push too far from their sweet spot on "Reaping Song. "Poison Rages has very little rage, but it is well constructed. Sure, there is more of a Sisters of Mercy feel to it, but no new ground is being broken that we have not heard earlier in the album. I will give this album a 9 and see how it grows on me. It drops on November first.
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