AFM Records
Release: 3 May 2024
Gothic/Industrial
Tracklist:
01 – Battle of the Underworlds
02 – We Live Another Day
03 – Creepy Shadows
04 – One Dark Happy Nation
05 – I Am the Devil
06 – The Procession
07 – I Will Drink Your Blood
08 – Aftermath
09 – Tonight
10 – We Are the Heroes
11 – Monostereo Creature
12 – We Come Alive
Gothminister’s latest release emerges as a potential career-defining opus, arriving on the heels of their prominent showcase representing Norway at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest with ‘We Come Alive’, building upon the foundation laid by 2022’s ‘Pandemonium’.
I’ve long held an appreciation for Gothminister’s artistry, their fusion of gothic and industrial elements resonating deeply with me. While previous releases occasionally posed vocal challenges, the band, particularly its founder and frontman, Bjørn Alexander Brem, exhibits a discernible maturation akin to fine wine. ‘We Come Alive’, despite narrowly missing the mark in representing Norway, stands as a paragon of the quintessential Gothminister sound, likely to attract a diverse array of new admirers worldwide.
The album’s inaugural track, adorned with the evocative line “they sent a witch, we brought a monster” in its chorus, lingers persistently in memory. Brem’s assertion that this release signifies a shift towards a more infectious sound resonates strongly with my sentiments. An ambitious live presentation, featuring consecutive performances of ‘Pandemonium’ and ‘Pandemonium II: The Battle Of The Underworlds’, seems apropos.
The burgeoning popularity of this genre within mainstream music may evoke trepidation within the gothic community, contemplating the prospect of venturing into daylight to witness their favored artists perform at festivals, rather than within the confines of dimly-lit music venues. Indeed, the luminous entity in the sky is commonly referred to as the sun.
The album’s remainder seamlessly blends electronica, melody, and dynamic shifts in style and tempo, offering a glimpse into what may become the band’s definitive sonic identity.
Characterized by its weighty electronic compositions, intricate arrangements, and melodic allure, this release captivates listeners to the extent that even seasoned reviewers may find themselves ensnared in repeat listens, pondering the passage of time with each successive playthrough.
Reviewed by: Adrian Hextall
Score: 10/10
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