In the vast but increasingly densely-populated realm of doom and death metal, where darkness reigns supreme and melancholic melodies serve as the currency of the soul, Yorkshire misanthropes My Dying Bride emerges once more from the abyss with their latest opus, A Mortal Binding. As stalwarts of the genre, the Yorkshire-based quintet crafts an album that is both a testament to their legacy and a bold exploration of new sonic territories.

From the moment the haunting strains of Her Dominion echo through the void, MDB captivates listeners with their signature blend of raw emotion and haunting beauty. Vocalist Aaron Stainthorpe‘s haunting cries pierce through the darkness, weaving tales of despair and redemption with poetic grace. Backed by the ethereal melodies of Andrew Craighan and Neil Blanchett‘s guitars, the band creates a sonic tapestry that is as mesmerising as it is devastating.

As the album unfolds, each track reveals a new layer of depth and complexity; from the twisted horror of Thornwyck Hymn to the mournful elegy of The 2nd of Three Bells. My Dying Bride proves themselves once more as masters of their craft, effortlessly blending elements of doom, death, and gothic metal to create a sound that is uniquely their own.

One of the album’s standout moments arrives with the epic The Apocalyptist, a sprawling masterpiece that showcases the band’s songwriting prowess and musical ambition. Clocking in at over eleven minutes, the track takes listeners on a journey through the darkest recesses of the human soul, culminating in a cathartic climax that leaves a lasting impression. This is the sound that followers of the band find themselves drawn to the most, the sound which the band has honed through the years to rapier sharpness.

Production-wise, A Mortal Binding is nothing short of stellar. Producer Mark Mynett, known for his work with Paradise Lost and Rotting Christ, crafts a sound that is both lush and immersive whilst retaining the band’s air of stark and exposed grief at it’s core, enveloping listeners in a world of shadows and sorrow. Every instrument is given room to breathe, from Dan Mullins‘ thunderous drums to Lena Abé‘s rumbling bass lines, creating a sense of depth and dimension that is truly breathtaking.

In conclusion, A Mortal Binding stands as a another superb chapter of My Dying Bride’s enduring legacy and artistic vision. With this album, the band proves themselves masters of their craft, weaving a tapestry of darkness and despair that is as haunting as it is beautiful. For fans of doom and death metal, A Mortal Binding is a journey not to be missed, offering a glimpse into the depths of the human soul and the shadows that lurk within.

As My Dying Bride edge past their thirty third year, they’re aging gracefully, remaining as vital and heart-wrenching as ever. A Mortal Binding proves that not only with its depth on tracks like Thornwyck Hymn and Her Dominion but also its breadth with The 2nd of Three Bells and The Apocalyptist. The group plan a riotous (for them, anyway) 2024, appearing at festivals (Brutal Assault, Rockstadt, 70000 Tons of Metal, Maryland Deathfest) across Europe and North America. Make sure to see them if you can. The flower withers once more on My Dying Bride’s A Mortal Binding…

A Mortal Binding releases on April 19th.