ELEGY | VINYL RECORD (LP)

Texas based elemental dark metal ensemble Dead To A Dying World have completed work on their poignant new epoch, Elegy. Following up 2015's ambitious Litany, this latest sees the septet take their creative spirit to a new apotheosis, resulting in the collective's most focused and moving opus yet. The band craft their vast aural landscape with a flourish consisting of seamless sonic textures guided by apocalyptic dark metal, doom, and epic cinematic post rock, consisting of three monolithic central tracks reinforced by three stirring interval segments. Melodic surges thrive throughout the album's discourse, whether through the more aggressive post-black metal parts or the more melancholic parts. The dual vocal projection of Mike Yeager and Heidi Moore continues to serve as a defining staple, while the band continue to expand their instrumentation, solidified even more through Eva Vonne's viola which continues to bridge and become a central element, as well as including outer-sound instruments like expanded experimental percussion, hurdy gurdy, hammond organ / piano, and concert bass. Once again produced by Billy Anderson, this being one of the acclaimed producer's most riveting productions he's done in recent times, the band also welcomes back a small cast of guest musicians. Featuring guest appearances by Thor Harris (ex-Swans) on four tracks alone, along with guest vocals by Jarboe (ex-Swans), Dylan Desmond (Bell Witch), and Emil Rapstine (The Angelus), the contributions from the new contingent of guests helps elevate the narrative of Elegy to a new plateau.