Hanging Garden - Neither Moth nor Rust (2022)

Keeping themselves busy during the last couple of years, Finland’s Hanging Garden is set to unleash their latest EP titled “Neither Moth nor Rust”. After their very impressive 2021 release, this EP delivers around 25 minutes of highly dynamic and engaging music, with a well balanced mixture of Gothic and Doom Metal influences, this album reminds us of late Theater of Tragedy, To/Die/For/ and Beseech releases.

Creating a very somber and yet lively atmosphere, the album title track delivers a well balanced mix of growls and clean male and female vocals, alongside engaging and catchy music. This playful vibe continues on tracks like the dreamy “The Last Dance”, and the atmospheric “And Leave All Love Behind”, showcasing the band’s versatility and craftiness to write highly emotional and yet diverse songs.

Our personal favorite track has to be “On the Shore of Eternity”, a song that brings back memories of Theater of Tragedy and their later stages alongside the big Finnish Gothic Metal/Rock push from the early 2000’s. Closing with an interesting electronic piece titled “Fields of Reeds”, makes the ToT vibe even more present in their “Musique” days. Overall, “Neither Moth nor Rust” is one very solid release to keep any fans of the band engaged with Hanging Garden’s unique and intoxicating musical trajectory.

Label: LifeForce Records

Release: January 21st, 2022

Genre: Melodic Doom/Gothic Metal

Country: Finland