Description
My Dying Bride – The Angel And The Dark River – Double Vinyl Records
The Angel and the Dark River is the third studio album by the British doom metal band My Dying Bride, released on May 22, 1995. The album is notable for its atmospheric blend of doom metal and gothic elements, characterized by melancholic melodies, heavy guitar riffs, and the deep, emotive vocals of Aaron Stainthorpe. The Angel and the Dark River is often considered one of the band’s seminal works and a significant release in the doom metal genre.
Tracklist and Themes
The Cry of Mankind – A lengthy opener with a hypnotic, repeating melody and somber lyrics about despair and longing.
From Darkest Skies – Features rich instrumentation and explores themes of loss and yearning.
Black Voyage – A dark, brooding track with poetic lyrics and a sense of epic storytelling.
A Sea to Suffer In – Combines heavy riffs with melancholic violin sections, reflecting themes of sorrow and emotional pain.
Two Winters Only – A deeply emotional song with a slower tempo and introspective lyrics.
Your Shameful Heaven – The closing track, featuring dynamic shifts between intense metal and softer, more melodic passages.
The Angel and the Dark River is characterized by its dark, melancholic atmosphere, created through slow tempos, heavy guitar riffs, and somber melodies. The use of violin and keyboards adds a layer of gothic elegance and emotional depth to the music. Aaron Stainthorpe’s deep, emotive vocals range from clean singing to powerful growls, enhancing the album’s emotional impact. The lyrics explore themes of sorrow, despair, love, and loss, often with a poetic and introspective quality.
The Angel and the Dark River received positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric sound, emotional depth, and innovative blend of doom and gothic metal elements. The album is highly regarded by fans of the band and the doom metal genre, often considered one of My Dying Bride’s best works. The album has influenced many bands within the doom and gothic metal scenes, showcasing the potential for emotional and atmospheric depth within the genre.
The Angel and the Dark River is considered a seminal work in My Dying Bride’s discography and in the broader doom metal genre. The album remains a favorite among fans, appreciated for its emotional resonance and musical sophistication. Tracks from the album, particularly “The Cry of Mankind” and “Your Shameful Heaven,” are often featured in the band’s live performances, continuing to captivate audiences.
The Angel and the Dark River by My Dying Bride is a landmark album in the doom metal genre, blending heavy riffs, melancholic melodies, and gothic elements to create a deeply emotional and atmospheric listening experience. With its haunting violin sections, powerful vocals, and introspective lyrics, the album stands as a testament to My Dying Bride’s ability to convey profound sorrow and beauty through their music. Highly regarded by fans and critics alike, The Angel and the Dark River remains a significant and influential work in the band’s illustrious career.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
The Cry Of Mankind
From Darkest Skies
Black Voyage
A Sea To Suffer In
Two Winters Only
Your Shameful Heaven
The Sexuality Of Bereavement