Melancholy and Aggression in Harmony
Mother of Graves masterfully blends melodic sorrow with restrained aggression, delivering one of 2024’s most compelling doom/death albums
Mother of Graves’ latest release, The Periapt Of Absence, marks the Indianapolis band sophomore full-length album, following their 2021 EP, In Somber Dreams, and 2022 well-received debut, Where the Shadows Adorn. In this second album, they present a well-crafted work that further explores melancholic doom/death metal, embracing classic influences like Anathema and Paradise Lost while steadily developing a sound that feels increasingly their own.
Opening with Gallows, the album immediately establishes a bolder, fresh pace. Their willingness to incorporate faster sections adds a compelling, dynamic quality to the album, especially noticeable in tracks like Apparition and the final track, Like Darkness to a Dying Flame. These songs are layered with an urgency that complements the album’s melancholic core, bridging the gap between harsh death metal intensity and the introspective essence of doom.
Tracks like As The Earth Fell Silent and the title track, The Periapt of Absence, offer a nostalgic yet revitalized experience, showcasing a more restrained and refined approach that highlights the core essence of doom metal in all its gloom glory. Brandon Howe’s vocals are a crucial element, delivering a somber, emotive growl that aligns seamlessly with the album’s themes of dark emotion.
With this release, Mother of Graves shows clear progression, expanding on their debut with a refined and bold approach to doom/death metal. The Periapt of Absence not only adds depth to their catalog but firmly establishes their standing in the genre, offering a thoughtful, and intense experience – making it one of the standout doom and doom/death releases of 2024.