DEMO EP REVIEW

SON OF THE
MOURNING
(Salford Power Recordings - Independent)

1. LAMBTON ROAD
2.
THE WAY LAURA WON'T
3.
FROM REDHOUSE WITH LOVE
4. DOLL HOUSE

SON OF THE MOURNING Demo EP

 

CD requests: Mr_bungle_bou@hotmail.com
www.sonofthemourning.co.uk
inmerit@yahoo.com

 

[ BACK ]   [ MAIN ]

Manchester five-piece Son Of The Mourning - formed in the summer of 2001 - released this EP during November, 2002 and it’s hard to believe that it has taken until now to come across these guys. On the evidence of this recording, their name should be on the lips of everyone interested in heavy music because this is a real scorcher!

There are some nice musical dynamics going on here, with vigorous changes of pace and intensity - one minute promising to decimate and obliterate and the next painting soothing pictures of melodic grace. They often exploit the calm before the storm, prior to ripping you away from terra firma and into the eye of violence. The enticing whiffs of melody draw you in before puking acid into your face, dissolving it to the bone. There are echo’s of Shai Hulud, Zao and Poison The Well but there’s also a detectable essence of trad metal melted into the new, best demonstrated by one section that sounds strangely like Maiden playing Beecher!

"The Way Laura Won't" is a great song and one that contains many prime characteristics of the band. The throat tearing vocals, which occasionally switch to singing and the noisecore that flows into something sounding like death warmed up. Another favourite is "Doll House" which builds with delicate and atmospheric guitars up to a powerful eruption of krakatoan proportions. But it’s unfair to single these out, as every track has a quality of it’s own and like a cat with fireworks tied to it’s tail they dart in uncertain directions but always manage to keep perfect shape.

This EP stands out clearly from a lot of today’s mediocrity. Son Of The Mourning have understood the art of tempering energy, power and intensity with well timed space, melody as well as interlaced intricacy. A balancing act attempted by many but something that few successfully achieve. They’ve produced an excellent debut recording and have a spark that will be something to watch develop into maturity. For Gods sake go and get this CD from the band, it’s your for only a quid!

Rigsby (22nd April, 2003)
www.iwillbeheard.co.uk