THE DROWNING – When The Light Was Taken From Us

THE DROWNING
When The Light Was Taken From Us
Casket Music
7/10




Peering from an appropriately bleak window to the world, Brits The Drowning deliver a Peaceville-esque perspective on “When The Light Was Taken From Us.” Minimalist, murky doom intertwines with deathly flurries during the morose “A Bitter Shade Of Grey,” a track which melds swift intensity with plodding melodies. A great representation of this band’s dynamic vision, this track twists and turns in dramatic sequences, making song parts that would generally be singularly average become vibrant with disparate directions.

All the while, however, the focus is centered on a dismal atmosphere, whether The Drowning is bashing out a blast of life-ending fervor or concentrating on ushering in a disenchanted melody suitable for any grim state of mind. Appropriately long songs for the doom-initiated form the bulk of “When The Light Was Taken From Us,” with the type of clean vocal interludes you’d expect from Anathema making “Halo Of Flies” particularly of note.

While neither groundbreaking nor orgasmic, it stands to reason that The Drowning is much more creative than most standard doom outfits. This fact alone makes “When The Light Was Taken From Us” worthy fare for those who dwell in darkness.


Written by: Shovelhead