My Dying Bride - The Manuscript (Peaceville, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. The Manuscript (6.24)
2. Var Gud Over Er (8.49)
3. A Pale Shroud Of Longing (7.48)
4. Only Tears To Replace Her With (4.20)

Synopsis: I am probably the last person who should try to review something by My Dying Bride, they have long been one of my favourite bands, however I can safely say that their latest release carries on the positive momentum they have been building over their last couple of albums. In some way it is a synopsis of the various forms they have taken over their career, though it is never overtly regressive, and it shows that the dark, gloomy outlook that they have all but perfected is still captivating. There are the heavy riffs, emotive violin and well placed quieter moments that you would come to expect and it is also great to hear some growls making their way to the fore. I could easily get used to this more prolific My Dying Bride, especially if they continue to produce doom of such a high standard.

www.mydyingbride.net

Flotsam & Jetsam - Ugly Noise (Metal Blade, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Ugly Noise (4.10)
2. Gitty Up (3.09)
3. Run And Hide (5.28)
4. Carry On (4.18)
5. Rabbits Foot (4.16)
6. Play Your Part (5.28)
7. Rage (3.24)
8. Cross The Sky (4.44)
9. Motherfuckery (3.07)
10. I Believe (2.53)
11. To Be Free (3.08)
12. Machine Gun (3.17)

Synopsis: I must confess, Flotsam & Jetsam took me by surprise with their previous release "The Cold" and it gave the impression that they had rediscovered their touch after a run of less than impressive releases. Having listened to "Ugly Noise" it would appear that this was not the case as their latest effort lacks the heaviness and aggression that made its predecessor so enjoyable. Instead Flotsam & Jetsam have reverted back to listless, uninspired groove metal and most of the songs lack any fire at all, even a song titled "Rage" is anything but vehement. It isn't like I was expecting a return to their thrash heyday, that wouldn't be at all realistic or necessary, but it is unfortunate that "Ugly Noise" is just what it purports to be and not in a good way!

Cathedral - The Last Spire (Rise Above, 2013)

Track Listing:

1. Entrance To Hell (3.15)
2. Pallbearer (12.04)
3. Cathedral Of The Damned (6.01)
4. Tower Of Silence (7.09)
5. Infestation Of Grey Death (9.22)
6. An Observation (10.42)
7. The Last Laugh (0.39)
8. This Body, Thy Tomb (9.07)

Synopsis: As a Cathedral devotee, I must admit that listening to "The Last Spire" raises conflicting emotions. Whilst I have to respect their decision to go out on their own terms I am still sorry to see them bid adieu, particularly when they release an album like this. "The Last Spire" isn't quite the return to their debut that many thought it was to be however it is certainly their doomiest effort for some time and it also offers reminders of the vagaries that marked their esteemed career. Ultimately any existing fan of the band are sure to enjoy this, there are some mighty heavy riffs throughout, and you just can't help but feel that, despite this being their farewell, Cathedral still have much to offer if that wasn't the case.

www.cathedralcoven.com