By: Ashley Parrish Otteman

A few years back, I went through a pretty heavy doom metal phase. Bands like My Dying Bride, Katatonia, Candlemass, A Pale Horse Named Death, and Woods of Ypres were in heavy rotation during a particularly transformative time in my life. The slow tempos, tuned-down guitars, and deep, heavy atmosphere perfectly captured my feelings and impressions of the world at that time. For these reasons, My Dying Bride will always occupy a particular corner of my sad little soul. Thus, previewing the band's 15th studio album, set to be released on April 19th, 2024, was an honor. This album is a welcome addition to an already impressive catalog, revisiting elements of their previous works while maintaining the raw authenticity they are known for and further solidifying their legacy in doom metal—a genre they’ve helped define.

Most notably, the violin plays a prominent role throughout this album, enhancing its eerily captivating tone. Reminiscent of their earlier sound, the instrument transcends mere accompaniment; it becomes a haunting voice of its own. Each time those deep, ominous chords begin, my ears perk up, drawn into the unfolding musical narrative. This violin adds a layer of unique beauty, blending perfectly with the rest of the instrumentation. The interplay between the violin and guitar is especially chilling, creating a transcendent experience that whisks you away to another era, another realm entirely.

Frontman Aaron Stainthorpe exhibits a remarkable vocal range on this album, moving fluidly from pure, clean vocals to deep, gritty growls. His voice, infused with distinct raw emotion, resonates powerfully with the album's themes of sorrow and darkness, enhancing the overall depth of the album.

The ominous and moody compositions prominently explore the themes of emotional pain, effectively embodying the somber narrative for which the band is known. Each track, none shorter than six minutes, offers a compelling journey, inviting listeners into a meticulously crafted musical world.

Some standout tracks:

• Her Dominion sets a powerful tone right from the start, with standout keyboards and throaty, gritty vocals that enhance the track's melancholic vibe.
• Thornwyck Hymn masterfully combines searing guitar riffs with the violin's haunting sounds, highlighting both instruments and capturing the album's eerie yet powerful essence.
• The Apocalyptist, the album's longest track at 11 minutes, impressively maintains attention throughout. It fluctuates between aggressive bursts and serene violin-led sections, building and releasing tension to keep you engaged, with dynamic flow and compelling storytelling.

My Dying Bride's A Mortal Binding took me on a beautifully somber and haunting journey. At times, I felt transported to an ancient past; at other moments, the album's deeply introspective passages prompted me to delve into the depths of my own psyche, confronting aspects of myself that I rarely acknowledge. This album is a deliberate and refined work, featuring precise instrumentation and meticulously crafted arrangements designed to evoke specific emotions. Like all of My Dying Bride's previous works, it stands out with its genuine and authentic sincerity, channeling catharsis through its often depressive and dark tone. This makes it incredibly compelling and a significant addition to My Dying Bride’s discography.