Description
My Dying Bride – Symphonaire Infenus Et Spera Empyrium – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium is an influential EP by the British doom metal band My Dying Bride, released in 1991. This EP is a significant release in the early days of the band, showcasing their evolving sound and solidifying their place as pioneers of the doom/death metal genre. Known for their melancholic atmosphere, slow tempos, and deep growls mixed with melodic elements, My Dying Bride is one of the key bands that helped shape the gothic and doom metal scenes in the 1990s.
Formed in Bradford, England, in 1990, My Dying Bride quickly gained attention for their distinctive style, which combined the heaviness of death metal with the somber, atmospheric elements of doom metal. Their early releases, including \”Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium,\” laid the groundwork for what would become their signature sound: a mix of crushing riffs, sorrowful melodies, and dark, poetic lyrics.
The title Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium can be loosely translated from Latin as \”Infernal Symphony and Hope of the Heavens,\” reflecting the band\’s interest in grand, apocalyptic themes and their penchant for blending beauty with despair.
The EP consists of three tracks, each showcasing different aspects of the band\’s style at the time:
\”Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium\” – The title track is a nearly 12-minute epic that is the centerpiece of the EP. It begins with a haunting orchestral intro before plunging into heavy, slow doom riffs and Aaron Stainthorpe\’s deep growls. The track is notable for its dynamic shifts between crushing heaviness and melodic passages, including atmospheric keyboard sections that enhance its symphonic quality.
\”God Is Alone\” – This track is shorter and more straightforward, leaning more towards death metal with its faster tempo and aggressive riffing. It retains the dark atmosphere typical of the band but showcases their ability to create intense, raw energy.
\”De Sade Soliloquy\” – The final track is another shorter piece that combines doom and death metal elements. It\’s a haunting, brooding composition that reflects the band\’s gothic influences, with lyrics that touch on themes of suffering and despair.
Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium is significant for several reasons. It marks a critical moment in the development of the doom/death metal subgenre, as My Dying Bride helped to define a sound that would influence countless other bands. The EP also set the stage for their subsequent full-length albums, particularly \”As the Flower Withers\” (1992) and \”Turn Loose the Swans\” (1993), which further expanded on the themes and musical ideas introduced here.
The title track, in particular, is often cited as one of the band\’s early masterpieces, encapsulating their ability to blend beauty and brutality, and it remains a fan favorite.
Legacy
Over the years, Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium has gained recognition as a classic in the doom metal genre. It captures My Dying Bride at a time when they were exploring new territories and establishing their identity within the metal scene. The EP\’s combination of symphonic elements with doom and death metal created a blueprint that the band and others would continue to develop throughout the 1990s.
For fans of doom metal and those interested in the evolution of the genre, this EP is a must-listen, offering a glimpse into the early days of a band that would go on to become one of the most respected names in the scene. Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium is not just a significant release in My Dying Bride\’s discography but also a cornerstone in the broader history of metal music.
The 1991 debut Peaceville studio release from the Doom Metal Gods – on vinyl with two additional tracks
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Symphonaire Infernus Et Spera Empyrium
God Is Alone
De Sade Soliloquay
