22nd April 2023

Review: “In Somber Dreams” by Mother of Graves

Back at the beginning of 2021, Death Doom newcomers Mother Of Graves released their debut EP “In Somber Dreams” to a very warm reception and having been available on long since sold out cassette and compact disc, it will be available for the first time on a limited edition run of 12″ vinyl from Wiseblood Records. Mastered by Swedish engineer and legend Dan Swanö (Edge Of Sanity, Bloodbath, Opeth) it offers a quartet of enthralling moments from a band named after a mythological Latvian protector of cemeteries (Kapu māte)…

Opening with the title track its easy to see why many have described the band as seemingly influenced by Katatonia, My Dying Bride and October Tide, the melancholia soaked phrasing crossing the palm with silver when the majestic Doom fuelled guitars soar. Dark and despondent atmospherics are cleverly integrated with old school aesthetics that build from a spark to a roaring flame with touches of Melodic Death Metal in the lead guitar work, its heavy but also has grit and integrity about it. Then there is the undeniable groove of “Nameless Burial” with TJ Hunt’s sinister bass making a move as the lead instrument early on before being replaced by achingly beautiful piano in the closing section that is both intelligent and mood inspiring in its quality. Brandon Howe’s vocals are crushing, the heaviest implement of destruction here, serving to complement a lingering restlessness and discomfort as these songs play out, “The Urn” being a prime example of that. Descending from meandering lukewarm instrumentation into a the bowels of hell with anguished vocals and rampaging guitars makes it essential listening as it is both beautiful and destructive at the same time. The guardians of despair continue their gloomy march with “Deliverance“, once again finding the melody in the darkest of corners. A classic build up to the mid section is spellbinding but instead of ripping out a solo, the band pull back from the edge of the abyss and dive into a somber and sobering passage before building to the death crush tempo once more. It makes for a tour de force of the Death Doom subgenre as a whole from a band more than worthy of the praise they have received for this stunning piece of work [8/10]

Track Listing