|
By JEFF MAKI
Bottom line: Next to Type O Negative, Portugal's Moonspell is, in my opinion, the best goth metal has to offer. Their 2001 album Darkness And Hope is one of my favorite metal releases in recent memory. Their last effort, however, 2003's The Antidote fell a little flat for me. The material was there, but it just didn't deliver the same power of past efforts. Memorial (in stores April 25, 2006) is a brilliant album mostly along the lines of past Moonspell releases.
The album begins with the eerie "In Memoriam." Then we're thrust into the double-bass attack of the black-metal-esque "Finisterra." Vocalist Fernando Ribeiro uses death metal vocals for much of the album, straying from his lower gothic tone. "Memento Mori," one of the stronger tracks, uses a perfect mixture of the two styles. If I had to choose, I prefer the more gothic stylings, as it sets the band apart from other acts. The use of keyboards, orchestration and manic riffing make many parts of the album strongly resemble a black metal band. Dimmu Borgir immediately comes to mind upon hearing tracks such as the instrumental "Proliferation" and the haunting "Once It Was Ours."
"At The Image Of Pain" is a strong track from start to finish, again combining death and goth metal with a memorable chorus. The guitar sound of the album is probably closer to early Morbid Angel than anything else I can think of. And there's nothing wrong with that. "Luna" is a goth ballad and maybe my favorite track on Memorial, featuring beautiful female vocals in the chorus. This song should be the new blueprint for goth metal compositions.
Memorial is chock full of strong material and should not disappoint fans. The band doesn't stray far from the standard formula, which may hold them back a bit. But it's still a solid album.
|
