“Deathrising” it’s Motus Tenebrae fifth album but don’t worry if you’ve never heard about them before – it’s not like they’ve made a name for themselves in the general metal community. They’re somewhat popular in the gothic/doom sphere, though, so it’s not a case of total anonymity.
Given the old-school vibe of their sound, it’s quite impossible not to mention early Paradise Lost – but only because the latter is the so-called founder of the genre. Even if Luis McFadden’s voice resembles Nick Holmes’ in some passages, Motus Tenebrae have their own credit.
“Deathrising” offers the kind of rich doom that, despite its thickness and melancholy, doesn’t drag itself in dull apathy; there’s a vibrancy in the melodies which, curiously enough, enhances their sense of sorrow and makes them enthralling. The title-track, the opener “Our Weakness” and “Haunt Me” are probably the strongest examples of such definition, while “Grace” beautifully represents the most gothic side of the band. And in songs such as “For A Change” and “Cherish My Pain” there are some fast passages, a change in rhythm unusual in this genre, that eventually leads to a slower pace before speeding up again.
“Deathrising” reveals a commendable maturity in songwriting; not only they apply little tweaks to make the songs distinct from one another, as they manage to sound refreshing and yet stay within the borders of the aforementioned old-school terrain. A must-listen to all goth/doom fans.
8 / 10
Words by: Renata Lino
