Posted By Reverend Leviathan on Feb 17, 2016 | 1 comment

Band/Artist: Then Comes Silence
Release House: Novoton
Genre: Darkwave, Goth, Postpunk
One Sentence Synopsis:  Darkness is again ever present.
Series: Standalone
Single/EP/Album: Album
Release Date: March 13^th, 2015
Running Time: 38 minutes
MSRP: 10 Euro (approx $11.50 USD)
Discount Link: Click Here
Website: Click Here
Music Video: Click Here
Purchase Site: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 4.0 Moons

Formed in 2012, Then Comes Silence have returned and as suggested by the title of their newest outing, darkness is again ever present. With Nyctophilian, the Swedish Stockholm quartet debarks from escalating gloomy evil and fear. Production is trimmed of any excess to produce a tight, distorted and crepuscularly devastated postcard of human misery.

Theme

Nyctophilian takes its listeners on a journey through death and darkness, showing no real signs of fear.  According to vocalist/bassist Alex Svenson,

“Death anxiety and fear of death is an inevitable and pervasive undercurrent of all living people.  Death is intractable and unconditional.  People avoid even talking about it.  Our music most likely is a form of self-therapy and represents my way of dealing with Death.  Perhaps we need to further discuss it?”

Presentation

First song on the release, “Strangers,” hooked me immediately.  The Gothic influence is ever present along with some hints of 80’s glam rock, shoegaze, and darkwave.  Svenson’s voice truly brings out the beauty of his lyrics; very dark and romantic at times.  While listening to the mostly postpunk album, you’re hit with a surprise with “Feed the Beast” which becomes more electronic with a creepy sounding organ, again his vocals being very powerful.

The irony of this album is the fact that it is very dark and focused on death, and yet I feel so alive while listening to it.  Many songs would definitely be great for a mix at a Goth club, particularly “Strangers” and “She Loves the Night.”

Gothic Fit

Nyctophilian is focused almost entirely on Death.  (How many of us in the Goth community get accused of being obsessed with Death?)  The band discusses the subject in a way that is very appealing to Goths, not really glorifying it or longing for it, but just acknowledging that it’s inevitable and should be talked about.

Closing Thoughts

Performing an amazing combination of musical influences, Then Comes Silence brings Death to life with their newest release.  Do not fear Death; check out Nyctophilian! 

Theme: 5.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Presentation: 3.5 Moons (out of 5.0)
Gothic Fit: 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)
Final Score (not an average): 4.0 Moons (out of 5.0)