Motus Tenebrae - Deathrising

Motus Tenebrae

Deathrising

by Marcos "Big Daddy" Garcia at 19 May 2016, 6:52 PM

What's left to say about Doom Metal that many writers haven’t said before?

Big Daddy here truly believes that nothing's left to declare; because Doom Metal is a well-known, solid style with deep roots - and its features are clear for all to hear and understand. Of course some experimentalisms is welcome, because the style has an ample range of musical possibilities. And although some bands prefer to stick to the old path, their works aren't bad. This description is almost perfect when we speak about "Deathrising", the new album from the Italian quintet MOTUS TENEBRAE.

Their style is something that stays between the traditional Doom Metal style like CANDLEMASS and TROUBLE (besides their music is not as bitter as these two bands) and some depressive and introspective moments like MY DYING BRIDE did on albums such as "Turn Loose the Swans" and "The Angel and The Dark River" (but not as sinister and darkened as the English sextet). Their musical work surely has personality and you'll be seduced by their melodic vision of the style.

The sound quality is fine, because it's clear that if the band's music is to get across, they need to be a bit clearer than the way bands of their style typically sound. But it's good and heavy, as well as fitting in perfectly with their musical purposes. It's not perfect though, but very good.

The best moments of the record are: the melancholic and slow "Our Weakness" with its fine guitar riffs; "Black Sun" with its deep and darkened feeling (showing very good work in the rhythm section too); the aggressive "For a Change" and its very good guitar and vocal performances (and the dose of aggressiveness is done in such a way that the song barely stays inside Doom Metal limits); the bittersweet tempos that "Deathrising" bears along with some more very good guitar riffs; "Grace" with its charming Gothic Rock influences and tasteful musical accessibility (the bass and drums are really providing this song with a right dose of weight); and the last nail in the coffin is called "Desolation", which is full of melancholic and heavy feeling, but with some aggressive moments arising in certain parts).

It's a good album, indeed, but I think they can show more personality than is heard on "Deathrising".

Songwriting: 8
Originality: 6
Memorability: 8
Production: 7