Power, strength, raw emotion, and a sweeping sonic landscape. That was my initial thoughts on September Mourning's debut album Melancholia. This sonic tale of a Reaper named September Mourning, takes the listener on a journey through an almost apocalyptic landscape. It's a full album, by this I mean it's not just built around the strength of one or two songs. The whole story unfolds from the first track to the last. Each track based on a soul that the Reaper collects giving us a glimpse into the roller coaster existence of the being known as September Mourning.

Musically this band doesn’t lock itself into one style. Taking elements from metal, industrial, goth, and wrapping it up in a theatrical shroud. Kicking off with the track “Go For The Throat” the song dose just that. A driving beat beat, metal infused guitar riffs, and vocals that range from soaring to growling. It's a perfect song to start off with because it gives a glimpse at the range this band has to offer. This is followed by my personal favorite “A Place To Call Your Own”. Another killer guitar riff welcomes you to an epic song with a beautiful, catchy chorus that's wrapped in a chaotic shell of verses. “Love is War” and “Seal Your Fate” are tracks that follow their unique blend of heavy, at times blistering, with the soaring beauty.

Melancholia dose not just deliver the above mentioned recipes for melodies. “Crimson Skies” is a ballad with heart wrenching vocals set over strings and electronics that blossom into a chorus of powerful distorted chords. The slower paced but still powerful tracks “Always” and “Last Embrace” continue in this vein. The catchiest of this style would have to be “Lost Angels”. While at a slower beat these tracks still paint a dark and bleak landscape. They still exists within the universe this album weaves. Each track burns with a powerful force, varying from a wildfire to an intense smolder.

While there are tracks that stand out here this is an album that stands as a whole. The songs on their own are like the amazing details that come together to form a full work of art. Melancholia is an outstanding debut from a band that has proved they have their own identity. A band that has honed their skills to a razor sharp edge. The blend of styles here will appeal to a wide audience. Add to that the strong backing story of the Reaper known as September Mourning, strong, well penned lyrics, catchy melodies and guitar lines, and you've got something that is addicting. With such a powerful start I am very excited to see where they take this sonic style and story. Anyone with a liking for music with a dark edge will be right at home with this band. It's an album well suited for dreaming, releasing aggression, crying, getting lost in, or just plan rocking out.

Bewertung: [4 von 5 Sternen!]