Arsenic Addiction – Echoes of Mourning: Communion with the Damned (2012)

Nicely refining their skills over time, today we have Arsenic Addiction and their latest release “Echoes of Mourning: Communion with the Damned”. Hailing from Salt Lake City one of the Mormon capitals of the world, it is quite refreshing to find a band with such an aggressive yet melodic sound and imposing stage presence. Claiming to be Gothic Victorian Metal, the band nicely combines Gothic Metal elements with heavier Black/Death Metal influences all delivered by their female growler: Lady Arsenic.

Opening the release with the imposing “Aphotic Rite”, the band showcases even more Gothic touches than on their previous release. As an intro, this track really gets the listener interested in what is to follow. “Crown of Glass” goes into full swing with the band’s trademark signature and a constant struggle between hellish growls and soaring clean vocals. The band’s sound has that early 2000’s vibe of Gothic Black/Death Metal that is still widely used (and loved) these days.

The excellent atmospheric elements of tracks like “Death’s Embrace” and “NecRomance” are the clear indicators of how Arsenic Addiction has been evolving over time. Really catchy songs like “Signatum in Sanguinem” have that vibe of bands like Dimmu Borgir and their epicly catchy orchestrations surrounded by harsh vocals and pounding guitars. The more hypnotic “White Rabbit (Reborn)” is one of the most memorable tracks thanks to the super deep growls and the very well-paced approach to this song.

In general, “Echoes of Mourning” is a great step in the musical evolution of Arsenic Addiction. The band has managed to craft more intricate and elaborate songs that in their previous releases, and they have also enhanced their sound making it a bit more lush and bombastic. If you like your music to be quite aggressive but filled with keyboards and soaring female vocals, give this band a chance and get this awesome release.

Release: December 22nd, 2012

Genre: Gothic Black/Death Metal

Country: USA