Mother of Graves – Where the Shadows Adorn
Release Date: 14th September 2022
Label: Wise Blood Records
Bandcamp
Genre: Death/Doom Metal.
FFO: Katatonia, Paradise Lost, Temple of Void, Rapture.
Review By: Paul Cairney
This time last week, I was a sad reviewer. It was time to submit my review of the Dan Swanö mastered debut album from Mother of Graves. Then, the clouds cleared, the flowers bloomed, and my sadness dissipated as I discovered the release date was actually the 14th October and not the 7th. This meant that said album, Where the Shadows Adorn, was obligated to stay on my playlist.
As you listen to the album, it is staggering to believe that this is their debut. It is assured, it oozes confidence, it hits every sweet spot you can imagine, clever riffs, massive hooks and a vocal performance oft reminiscent of the great Nick Holmes of Paradise Lost fame. That’s not to say that Brandon Howe is a mere copycat – he most definitely isn’t – there is just a hint of Holmes that can be heard in a few tracks.
With 8 tracks spread across a frugal 43 ½ minutes, Where the Shadows Adorn is an album that is both well-paced and well-structured, no song feels misplaced, nor are there any fillers. This is a debut with no filler, an album from a band who knew what they wanted to deliver. The run time actually feels far shorter than it is. I found myself genuinely surprised when it ended….well, perhaps surprised isn’t accurate… disappointed is the word.
This disappointment is compounded by the fact that the riff introducing the final track, ‘The Caliginous Voice’ grabs me by my baw-hair each and every time I hear it. It is hypnotising as well as being slightly disappointing as it indicates that there is only a mere 7 or so minutes left in one of the stronger debut albums you will hear in 2022.
There is a bit of a buzz around Mother of Graves. They attracted the interest of the famed Dan Swanö prior to releasing any material. They have released a very well received E.P. in 2021 – I am not telling you its name, if you search and then listen you will not be disappointed at all, or somebody from Metal Epidemic will give you a big, comforting hug!
Monster of Graves have released an album that I guarantee you will enjoy*
*Guarantee does not apply to those with no taste in superior debut albums!
(4 / 5)
