🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Dead Mother Moon
Track 2: Onyx Through the Heart
Track 3: My Destiny; A Weapon
Track 4: Dusk Sang Fairest
Track 5: Paradise Failed
Track 6: Nocturnalism
Track 7: To Seek and Follow the Call of Lions
Track 8: The Lantern
Track 9: Dig Up Her Bones
🎸 Album Review:
Upon Stone’s latest album, ‘Dead Mother Moon’, is a haunting journey through the shadows of the human psyche, blending elements of gothic rock, post-punk, and darkwave into a mesmerizing sonic tapestry. Released on the eve of the winter solstice, this nine-track offering delves deep into themes of mortality, desire, and the eternal dance between light and darkness.
The album opens with the title track, “Dead Mother Moon”, setting the tone with its brooding atmosphere and hypnotic guitar melodies. Lead vocalist Raven Black’s ethereal vocals soar over the driving rhythm section, drawing listeners into a world shrouded in mystery and melancholy. The lyrics speak of loss and longing, painting a vivid picture of a soul adrift in the vast expanse of the night sky.
Standout track “Onyx Through the Heart” showcases Upon Stone’s ability to weave intricate layers of sound, with swirling synths and pulsating bass lines creating a sense of urgency and tension. The juxtaposition of Black’s evocative lyrics and the band’s dynamic instrumentation is particularly striking here, culminating in a cathartic climax that leaves a lasting impact.
“My Destiny; A Weapon” delves into themes of power and control, with razor-sharp guitar riffs cutting through the dense sonic landscape. The track’s driving tempo and infectious hooks make it a standout moment on the album, showcasing Upon Stone’s knack for crafting anthemic gothic rock tunes that linger in the mind long after the music fades.
“Dusk Sang Fairest” offers a more introspective moment, with delicate piano melodies and haunting strings underscoring Black’s poignant vocals. The track’s ethereal beauty is juxtaposed with a sense of impending darkness, creating a captivating tension that is emblematic of Upon Stone’s signature sound.
As the album progresses, tracks like “Paradise Failed” and “Nocturnalism” further showcase the band’s versatility, with swirling synths and driving rhythms creating an immersive listening experience that transports the listener to otherworldly realms of the imagination. The interplay between light and shadow is palpable throughout, with Upon Stone expertly crafting a sonic landscape that is both haunting and beautiful.
“To Seek and Follow the Call of Lions” stands out as a highlight towards the latter half of the album, with its infectious melody and driving rhythm section propelling the listener forward on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The track’s anthemic chorus is sure to resonate with fans old and new, solidifying Upon Stone’s status as masters of their craft.
The penultimate track, “The Lantern”, serves as a moment of reflection and introspection, with stripped-down instrumentation allowing Black’s emotive vocals to take center stage. The song’s haunting beauty lingers long after it fades into silence, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Closing out the album is “Dig Up Her Bones”, a poignant homage to the past and a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death. The track’s melancholic melody and evocative lyrics serve as a fitting conclusion to ‘Dead Mother Moon’, tying together the album’s themes of loss, longing, and rebirth in a poignant and powerful manner.
In comparison to Upon Stone’s previous albums, ‘Dead Mother Moon’ represents a bold step forward in terms of both musicality and lyrical depth. The band’s sound has evolved and matured, with a greater emphasis on atmosphere and emotion, resulting in an album that is both sonically rich and thematically resonant.
Overall, ‘Dead Mother Moon’ is a masterful exploration of the human experience, offering a captivating blend of dark aesthetics and introspective lyricism that is sure to leave a lasting impact on listeners. Upon Stone’s latest offering is a testament to their artistry and vision, solidifying their place as one of the most exciting bands in the gothic rock scene today.