Band/Artist: My Silent Wake
Release House: Stone Groove Records
Genre: Ambient
One Sentence Synopsis: Ambient/experimental album from UK doom metal band
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: October 23, 2015
Running Time: 72 minutes
MSRP: $10.00
Digital Purchase Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Sample/Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: U.S. | Non-US
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 5 Moons
UK doom metal band, My Silent Wake, has made quite an impact on the metal scene over the past ten years and they now put their doom elements to use in an ambient/experimental album. Though this album was released digitally last year, it just recently became available on CD.
Theme
Let us begin our doom, the melancholic journey of Eye of the Needle, with A Death. We get a nice, deep chant from Ian and the guitars slowly make their way in around bass and electronics; very nice piece to mellow people’s mood and prepare them for what lies beyond. The guitars have a very psychedelic feel throughout the album with light strums and very little distortion. Former member Kate Hamilton offers some beautifully haunting female vocals and keys in numerous tracks, particularly Hunting Season II. The bass playing is very in-your-face on Rebirth II. As you get closer to the end of the album you truly feel like you’ve been on a journey as you hear a locomotive departing and the sounds keep coming with some dark organs. I shall not spoil the last track.
Presentation
Eye of the Needle is truly a strong testimony to the talent of My Silent Wake, especially in their versatility and ability to succeed in experimenting outside of doom metal. They retain a lot of their style so it’s not like you’re listening to a totally different band or a side project. It still sounds and feels like My Silent Wake but it’s just been translated into an ambient language. I really loved the guitars and keys in all of the songs and the mood just smoothly moves throughout the album. At one point, when I first heard it, I was ready to drop everything, dim the lights, burn some incense, smoke the hookah and chill out in my living room.
Gothic Fit
The dark melodic mood throughout the album is very appealing to Gothic lovers of ambiance. Some ambient artists sound more tribal, while others emphasize the electronic side. Eye of the Needle does an excellent job of emphasizing the darker, Gothic sounding ambient music, focusing a lot on low tones and deep vocals.
Closing Thoughts
Those already familiar with My Silent Wake must prepare to hear one of the greatest chapters in their musical history. Others who are unfamiliar should not miss the opportunity to hear this beautifully dark masterpiece.
Theme: 4.5 Moons
Presentation: 5.0 Moons
Gothic Fit: 5.0 Moons
Final Score (not an average): 5.0 Moons
