(CD/LP, Century Media, 2024)
“Kiss your blood goodbye.”
It’s impossible not to draw parallel lines with ‘90s Gothic / Doom heroes TYPE O NEGATIVE (hail “Bloody Kisses”) when spinning CEMETERY SKYLINE’s debut, “Nordic Gothic”. The album’s mist-shrouded cover artwork and the release of first five dark, brooding singles already hint at that connection. But don’t be misled though – this new Dark Rock supergroup, featuring Mikael Stanne on vocals, Markus Vanhala on guitar, Santeri Kallio on keyboards, Victor Brandt on bass and Vesa Ranta on drums, offers far more. While “Nordic Gothic” certainly pays homage to ‘80s / ‘90s Goth Rock, blending synth-driven atmospheres with heavier, guitar-dominated arrangements, to label it as merely a collection of Gothic anthems would be a mistake. Let me explain why.
The moment “Torn Away” kicks in with Mikael Stanne’s clean vocals and a groove as thick as molasses, reminiscent of THE 69 EYES, the connection to THE SISTERS OF MERCY feels inevitable. However, “In Darkness” quickly dispels the solid Gothic Rock illusion, reasserting a melodic Metal edge that nods to the band members’ musical backgrounds. There are plenty of DARK TRANQUILLITY / INSOMNIUM influences in both the keyboards and guitars, though the crystal-clean vocals and the (late) ULVER-inspired, dance-like rhythm offer a refreshing twist. The same fine blend of styles can be found in “When Silence Speaks” and “The Darkest Night” where DT-like keyboards take center stage. The irresistible “Violent Storm” adds to the gathered momentum with the catchiest chorus on the album, while “Behind The Lie” pushes the Metal and Goth Rock envelope even further, with its soft yet crushing, hefty rhythm.
The most intriguing and versatile tracks – especially when compared to the members’ current musical projects – are saved for last. During my first listening to “The Coldest Heart”, I had to double-check and make sure it wasn’t a TYPE O NEGATIVE cover, since the opening bassline smells Peter Steele (gone but not forgotten) from miles away. Before the track even hits the one-minute mark, a striking piano-like keyboard melody emerges, anchoring the song in your mind for days. “Anomalie” is another wonderful example of CEMETERY SKYLINE’s creativity; its irresistibly catchy vibe makes it a real earworm, bound to please any metalhead. Meanwhile, the slower, atmospheric “Alone Together” is a perfect curtain dropper; not just because it’s the album’s longest track, but due to the way it builds atmosphere with soaring, background guitar layers and Stanne’s calm, yet captivating singing.
I’m usually skeptical when I see the term ‘supergroup’ in press releases, but in this case, it’s fitting. United by a shared passion for Gothic Rock, the members of CEMETERY SKYLINE came together to channel the darkness of a bleak period of time (the pandemic) into their debut album, weaving rich, velvety riffs and shadowy reflections. “Nordic Gothic” is the product of that collaboration, and for a debut, it’s remarkably successful, if you ask me.
8/10
Links:
www.FaceBook.Com/CemeterySkylineOfficial
www.Instagram.Com/CemeterySkyline
Tracklist:
01. Torn Away
02. In Darkness
03. Violent Storm
04. Behind The Lie
05. When Silence Speaks
06. The Darkest Night
07. Never Look Back
08. The Coldest Heart
09. Anomalie
10. Together Alone
Lineup:
Mikael Stanne - Vocals
Markus Vanhala - Guitars
Santeri Kallio - Keyboards
Victor Brandt - Bass
Vesa Ranta - Drums