Before reaching the album in front of you, I would like to say a few words regarding the early demise of David Gold, founder, vocalist and guitarist of this here band, WOODS OF YPRES. I would like to convey my condolences for the family and relatives. Though it was my first time listening to his works, I definitely believe that the Metal world had lost a talented musician and an artist. As it would seem, the band's latest album will probably be the last one in the chain that began a decade ago and the final step of a promising musical unit, that is by itself a loss.

"Woods 5 Grey Skies & Electric Lights" is the fifth in the series of a continuing concept story that wasn't that easy to comprehend but I think that I acknowledged the general idea. On the other hand it wasn't that difficult to notice the influences of this group as those went from early BLACK SABBATH through PARADISE LOST, TYPE O NEGATIVE while adding the extreme vision of AGALLOCH. Along with catchy elements taken from Pop and Rock, WOODS OF YPRES created a masterfully crafted release filled with strong emotional sense, unending depth and musical diversity that surround the overflowing ironies and bleakness of everyday life's experiences.

Throughout the release, even in the harsher moments provided by the Black Metal elements, I felt at peace, something like a sense of gloomy euphoria. Although it wasn't possibly intended in the first place, this one actual release calmed me down while sending me out thinking while trying to make sense of things that I haven't been giving much attention to. That sensation, or awareness, is not something that anyone would be feeling from any ordinary Metal album, even from ones released by the band's influential idols.

Furthermore, the album holds some tremendous harmonies between keyboards and lead guitars, to the side of heavier doom riffs al'a PARADISE LOST. Gold's cold, clean vocal pattern, that reminded me of Peter Steele and CRUSH TEST DUMMIES's vocalist, Brad Roberts, was one of the integral pieces of the puzzle that contributed to the amazing atmosphere that the album offers. Glowing golden songs like "Lighting & Snow", "Career Suicide", "Kiss My Ashes", "Adora Vivos" and "Death Is Not An Exit" can serve as different life's' soundtracks and recommendations for the miserable folks that are close to surrender to their troubles.

With the tragedy of David Gold's and the probable ending of WOODS OF YPRES after a decade, there goes a promising version of chilling Doom Metal. Nonetheless, we should all be lucky for this final graceful gift. Rest in peace David Gold.