Alone Beside Her

Shroud of Bereavement is a marvelous death/doom metal band masterfully incorporating classical elements into their songs with an imaginative spirit. Robinson, as director of the band’s creative effort, presents a stunning contrast of classical elements and dismal metal. The result is often a trance like spiritual effect on the listener.

“Alone Beside Her,” while only comprised of four central tracks, is still a lengthy and diverse release which manages to maintain a coherent flow. A short intro track opens the CD with ambient keyboards sounding like church organs. This sound really makes one feel like he or she is attending a funeral. Quite fitting for the style of music and persistent lyrical themes of loss and remorse. An intermission track of similar design differs with a more pronounced synthesized, ethereal feel and sets up the following tracks beautifully.

The songs on this album follow a fairly consistent formula. Somber openings of keyboards, synths, acoustic guitars, and violins crescendo into droning doom guitars, guttural vocals, and relentless yet paced drums. Songs are interspersed with serene moments of classical compositions and ghostly female leads which again build and blend seamlessly into more slow tempos and harsh vocals. The most enjoyable part about these songs is the transition between the lighter and heavier moments. In “A Rose for a Dying Muse,” for example, the tranquil interlude and ethereal female tones once more crescendo into the slow but aggressive riffs and beastly vocals. It’s as if the vocals, so startlingly different, weave together in some otherworldly interplay. While other symphonic/neo-classical bands have done something similar with contrasting vocals, Shroud of Bereavement manages to do it in a way which at once seems both original and compelling. At their peak, these elements of the band come together in moments entrancing union. All of this contributes to an atmosphere of extreme yet somehow elegant remorse.

When playing this CD, it is easy to allow one’s self wander. By that, I do not mean to say that the songs lack the ability to hold interest. I mean it is so easy to get lost in them. Their length and style as previously described simply has a tendency to do this. You really have to devote your attention to each track to be able to appreciate it fully. While this is nearly a universally understood truth with music, it is especially evident with “Alone Beside Her.”

“Alone Beside Her” quickly became one of my favorite albums. I easily fell in love with the doom metal guitar work, the contrasting vocals, and the classical elements. They all work perfectly together. The more listens I give it, the more I find to love in each song. I can only hope Shroud of Bereavement continues to refine their music and that Oak Knoll continues to find bands of similar caliber.