My Dying Bride – The Manuscript
by Daniel Neagoe
My dying bride is a band that needs no introduction at all. With an impressive 11 studio albums in their portfolio the English doom legends bring a new EP entitled The Manuscript.
It took me several spins to absorb the whole essence of its music, and the conclusion came simply: beautifully made music with experience, heart and soul. There is not one element that leaves room for doubts, everything is done by the book: all instruments are written and played beautifully, the My Dying Bride way.
“The Manuscript ” is the Ep’s opening track,a fantastic and romantic song carrying the MDB emblem along past tracks like “Thy Raven Wings”, full of feeling and emotion. I guess emotion and feeling are the band’s trademark after all these years. The poetry from Aaron proves, along with his exceptional interpretational skills are the key to My Dying Bride’s signature when it comes to passing on the message, both lyrical and musical. Through the years, the perfectioning of these skills have left a huge imprint on the music and the way in which it is executed, interpreted and played.
“Var Gud Over Er” has a heavy touch, leaning on the band’s death metal roots. Personally, my favourite track on this EP, but yet again, this a personal opinion, as I tend to go for the heavier side of My Dying Bride. The growls are blending quite well with the clean vocal passages, giving the track a diverse aspect and a colourful sound.
“A Pale Shroud Of Longing ” brings more atmospheric, funeral like – elements, a good combination of melody and heavy-ness, I could say a culmination of this material, with slow,heavy riffs, and poetic vocal passages, before busting into a drama-like ending, exceptionally performed.
The EP finishes with “Only Tears To Replace Her With”, a perfect way to end this short but solid release, Stainthorpe’s vocals overlaying the mournful, funeral instrumental.
This new material is definitely a highlight, in hope that a new album is quite close, and, as always, My Dying Bride do not cease to impress, this is a brilliant release, another milestone in the band’s discographic bookshelf.
9/10
For more info on My Dying Bride or to order the EP head to Peaceville Records here.
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