MY SILENT WAKE is a Gothic death/doom metal band from England who formed in 2005. They have been very prolific; “Lost In Memories, Lost In Grief,” is their 12th full-length album. They have also released a demo, two splits, four compilations, and three EPs. I wasn’t a fan of the previous album, “Damnum er Saeculorum.” Not that it was a bad album per say but that type of music just isn’t something I can enjoy regularly. MSW have several albums that are off the beaten path that take their sound from a different angle. I knew they would return to their “main” sound and I’m glad this album represents that—I’m here for doom metal and that is what is here in abundance.

That isn’t to say the album isn’t void of variety, dynamics, and never incorporates anything new. The band’s one constant member, guitarist and death growler Ian Arkley, is much too clever of a songwriter to leave the band in a stagnant state of mind. Throughout the album’s eight song, forty-three minute runtime, organ and clean vocals (courtesy of Simon Bibby who made his debut with the band on 2018’s “There Was Death"), continues to add a distinct flavor to the band’s style with his absolutely wonderful and epic clean vocals and his expertly played organ, plus keys. I’ve always enjoyed Ian’s death growls, some of the best in the business, and the trade offs between the two vocalists and their distinct styles continue to be one of the high points of the band’s music.

As for said music, the music is, overall, Gothic layered doom metal with plenty of death metal aggression thrown in. The tempo can vary, MSW not afraid to speed their doom up when needed. It strikes a balance between melody, aggression, and atmospheric quite well–the band still has plenty of ideas left in them and this album proves that and more. The album opens with “The Liar and the Fool,” and clean instrumentation underneath soft, clean vocals. It’s gentle in a way yet still just as powerful and boisterous as their heaviest moments. The buildup is excellent, especially Gareth’s drums. By the way, he plays his ass off on this album and is a constant highlight.

The other half of the rhythm machine, Adam and his bass, fill up the sound to create a full, robust blanket of darkness. His style compliments the heavier first half of the song but he is more than adapt and switching over to help out more melodic sections, such as the halfway mark during the solo. I love the organ in “Lavender Garden,” because it is so woven into the very fabric of the song. The band’s synergy on this one, and the album as a whole really, is insane. There isn’t one element on this song that you could remove and not change completely how it sounds. The guitar melodies coming in and out of the chorus hold the song together in some moments while in others the riffs bridge the gaps together.

Doom doesn’t always have to be slow and depressing as “Another Light” showcases. This is a short, ultra-heavy song with big riffs, tight drumming, and keys that heighten the sense of urgency. The death growls are absolutely vicious. The final song, “The Judges,” is one of the more melodic ones on the album but finishes off the album nicely. The opening harmonies/melodies are beautiful and catchy. The cadence of both vocal styles are also catchy—-this is one of the songs that will get stuck in your head for days.

All in all, MY SILENT WAKE has crafted yet another masterful doom metal album that is one of the highlights of the year as we continue to approach the halfway point a little more each day. This album is a serious piece of work but also very fun to listen to. This will have a lot of staying power and continue to get many listens from me. Any fan of doom or Gothic music needs this album in their collection.