1999, my first contact with doom metal, although I wasn’t even aware of the fact that this genre existed. The Light at the End of the World was released and I do not believe I talk about that album. If there is a God and he wanted to bring sadness to the world, he would have created My Dying Bride and give them the order to record that album. Although their previous work was really good, I still compared everything to that album I bought in 1999. Ninth record, sixth attempt.

Opening track ‘To Remain Tombless’ is actually already the highlight of the album. The diversity that I’m so much interested in doom metal is absolutely brilliant on this song. Aaron uses his melancholic voice in a very sensitive way in which you can absolutely drown. The ambience changes from dark to light without being ignorant and the guitar riffs could guide you into a pure trance.

 

Yet, as the record continues I get the feeling that a lot of familiar things pass by. Of course, the main riff on ‘Lamour Detruit’ is incredible and I cannot believe that anyone will loose attention when listening to the emotional ‘Thy Raven Wings’. But on the other hand, the strong aspect about the band; that feeling that just eats your attention has gone a little.

 

Don’t get me wrong. I do not believe My Dying Bride is able to come up with a bad album. But if you ask me, this record is actually one of the weakest so far. Maybe that’s not a bad thing and we’ll have to wait a bit longer for the next record. Until then, I believe we have enough material to dream away with. And if you see it from that perspective, the little but actually immense highlights on A Line of Deathless Kings are a great addition to the My Dying Bride catalogue.