Until the Stars Won't Fall

Italian extreme metal act Mourn in Silence bring us their second full-length album since their debut was released eleven years ago back in 2001. To say that I was anxious to hear how this sounded is an understatement. From their debut to their EP (2003), the band went from being a keyboard laden melodic black metal act to a power-influenced shred band harboring similarities to both early Children of Bodom and Wintersun. With all the time that had passed since their past releases and the differences that manifested in the short time between them, I wondered if these guys would further develop their sound into something completely unique or simply build off of the groundwork that they had already laid nearly a decade ago. Lucky for fans and newcomers to the band alike, it would appear as if they have chosen to do a mixture of both.

While listeners can certainly hear shades of Mourn in Silence’s early material on here, it is merely an undercurrent to the record and primarily comes out in their stylistic approach to the instrumentation. However, there is a significant difference in this release compared to their previous ones. In place of some of the speed and ferocity found throughout the band’s past efforts is a moody, atmospheric grandeur that really fits their approach well. That is not to say that there is no speed or authority to this release. These guys have not forsaken their extreme metal roots in the least bit, nor have they lost any level of technical proficiency. Front man and lead axe-wielder Andrea Mosconi has always proven his talent on the guitar, and this record is no different. His playing is beautifully classical, and it is apparent that he knows what he’s doing with his instrument. Both with his razor-sharp riffing and heartfelt solos, the guitar here goes beyond simply being technically minded. It gives the music emotional weight that compliments the atmosphere that the band emulates. The same could be said about all the rest of the band members as well, although Mr. Mosconi is certainly a standout.

The music as a whole is difficult to classify into a single genre. However, it is apparent that there is an overarching gothic feel to it joined by plenty of symphonic nuance. Elements of black metal are present here as well, though primarily in Mosconi’s vocals. While I was initially disappointed to hear that they chose to cut back on the shred-guitar driven sound found on previous releases, what I got in its place was definitely a breath of fresh air. Though there is certainly a flavor of their previous guitar virtuosity along with some traditional melodic black metal, they have truly crafted something new here. By combining harmonious gothic metal melodies with their own brand of symphonic black metal, these Italian metallers have created a niche that they can call their own.

With that said, this album really took the band in several different directions, and I liked it a lot. Standout tracks on the album include the racing album opener, “Beginning of Ruin,” the beautifully melodic “Winter’s Breath,” and the single, “Heart of Madness.” Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the magnificent interlude, “Un Lacrimoso Rivo,” which is truly a breathtaking endeavor. All in all though, you can’t go wrong with this one. If symphonic gothic seasoned with melodic black metal and shred guitar sounds appealing to you, you should do yourself a favor and give this one a listen. A great effort, and I can honestly say that I’m looking forward to its follow up.


Bravissimo miei amici!