Year: 2024
Total Time: 54:46
Label: Nuclear Blast
The lords of mournful Gothic Doom metal return with a new work of misery, despair, and melancholy. “A Mortal Binding” marks the fifteenth album of the British band, four years after the excellent “The Ghost of Orion.”
The band’s lineup remains stable, with the addition of Neil Blanchet on the rhythm guitar. Additionally, we see the return of Danny Mills behind the drums. Naturally, those who have been following the group from Halifax know that the band has settled into its sound and won’t engage in any experimentation. So, get ready for another dose of the familiar and beloved Doom metal that only MY DYING BRIDE can deliver.
Everything we love about the band is here: the doom riffs, the mournful melodies, the poetic lyrics, the brooding atmosphere, Aaron’s distinctive vocals, and Shaun MacGowan’s violin – the band’s classic trademark.
The album features seven tracks ranging from six to eleven minutes. The music is ideally balanced between the Doom-Death and more Atmospheric/Gothic metal, creating an immersive experience with dramatic peaks and intense feelings of sorrow. Aaron Stainthorpe makes extensive use of his harsh vocals, adding variety to the album. The opening track for example, “Her Dominion,” stands out from the rest, as it consists solely of harsh vocals – a very pleasant surprise for the old school fans. The tempos are mostly slow, with very few mid-tempo moments, which might be tiresome for fans not very familiar with the band’s sound.
The songs are well-crafted with enough changes to hold the listener’s interest. However, I would have preferred some more outbursts, as their lack is making the album feel a bit subdued compared to their previous work, for example.
Still, we’re talking about an album from the masters of the genre. This means there will be moments that give us chills, especially when the lead guitars “play” alongside the violin or when Aaron roars over the crushing riffs of Andrew Craighan, reminding us of the band’s past.
In summary, “A Mortal Binding” is a noteworthy addition to MY DYING BRIDE’s extensive discography. It’s a band that, let’s be honest, has never disappointed. While their new work doesn’t innovate, it offers some excellent moments and a few tracks that could take a place among the band’s best.
Rating: 7.5/10
Editor: Dimitris Benetatos
Related Link: MY DYING BRIDE – Official Page
