Although the current weather may not seem to lend itself to the more macabre soundscapes, the third full-length from Slovakia’s Gloom will quickly darken your skies. Disregard any advice from your friendly neighbourhood meteorologist on this one.
The goth metallers have quite the asset in the form of the sultry croons of Martin Pazdera; at times evoking the erotic pop sensibility of Ville Valo, at others sinking to credible lower registers in the vein of Peter Steele. His delivery is captivating throughout, equipping every track with a bolsteringly successful chorus. ‘Everything Ends’ and ‘Bleed In My Arms’ have an immediacy that would fit right in with earlier Lacuna Coil and Within Temptation material. That’s even before we get to the über balladry of ‘Fragments Of Life’ and ‘Broken’, with Pazdera emoting his knackers off as if auditioning for ‘Interview With The Vampire: The Musical’.
The rest of the Gloom demonstrate considerable chops throughout ‘Awaken’. Guitarist Igor Tinák utilises a wide range of techniques to avoid monotony, implementing everything from Maiden-esque lead harmonies on the rallying opener ‘Feel The Pain’ to borderline flamenco flourishes on ‘Bleed In My Arms’.
However, the symphonic elements are the most impactful, arriving towards the second half of the record. The choral passages of ‘Lovecry’ and ‘Epilogue’ are wonderfully elevating, boasting effective additional keyboard work, lulling the listener into tranquility before the unsurprising darkness of closing track, ‘Noose’.
Consistently strong from start to finish, ‘Awaken’ will scratch the itch of those still pining the end of HIM, or who wish the pop hooks of Grave Pleasures were powered by a bit more crunch and stomp.
- ‘Awaken’ is out now. You can get your copy HERE.
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