Portland sludge rockers Lord Dying return with their third album “Mysterium Tremendum” which sees the band aim for a conceptual idea both musically and lyrically while trying to evolve the sound in a different direction. Predominantly known for more heavier and sludgey riffs, this time we see the band go for a more psychedelic experience which ties into the overall theme of the record.
Lord Dying came on to my radar a few years back when their second album “Poison Alters” was about to be released and it’s part of the perk of doing what we do in the music media side of things, is discovering bands that are largely underground that just don’t reach out to the mainstream. Known for their heavy, doom-like quality riffs that are akin to such acts as Crowbar and EyeHateGod, it was interesting to discover that while a certain core sound of who they are can be found on “Mysterium Tremendum”, the band have for the most part taken things into a different direction and aimed for a more subdued and somewhat mellower style here.
Conceptually the songs are about life and death with the questions pondered on what happens to us after we expire. It’s an age old philosophical question that only the dearly departed will ever know but it’s fun to try and find out in the meantime. The concept then of course leaks into the music and various journeys of epic landscapes are drawn out into these elongated instrumentations coupled with the longing to find out the inevitable end. It may be different but much in the same way bands like The Sword or Opeth or even Metallica have experimented in their quest to keep things interesting, Lord Dying have certainly created a wonderful piece of work that will challenge hardcore enthusiasts and those looking for the heavy.
To ease into things, the band kick the album off with groove rocker “Envy The End” which may have been a smart choice as opening with a more mellower touch could be off putting before giving this a chance. The riffs are all there of course with guitarists Erik Olson and Chris Evans leading the way in twin guitar action courtesy of some nice noodlework on the strings. That becomes even more apparent later on as the band trade off from heavy riffs into more melodic passages with some nice solo work.
Interludes and big instrumentation moments are common here like “Exploring Inward (An Unwelcome Passenger)” and early on we see “Tearing At The Fabric Of Consciousness” make it’s entrance leading onto another highlight of the album in “Nearing The End Of The Curling Worm“. Starting out with some rockin’ grooves and some intense vocal work in the form of some signature growls, the song quickly turns into a moody, atmospheric psych experience which suits the theme of the song and the overall album itself.
“The End Of Experience” continues the more mellower side of things with a contemporary bluesy number that envokes a lot of subtle nuances and leaves you with your own thoughts. “Severed Forever” stretches out over a sparring landscape of different sounds, drawing in a more in-depth but sporadic approach in long form. “Even The Darkness Went Away” continues the chilled vibe with a more folksy sound while “Freed From The Pressures Of Time” brings the heavy back towards the end in a more doom like quality.
The album doesn’t suffer from the all too common filler second half either as seen with “Lacerated Psyche” where some swagger and blazing guitar work feeds the strength of this late track. Same with the epic and dramatically titled “Split From A World Within . Devoid Of Dreams . Death The Final Loneliness” where the human psych meets space and time, the sweeping grandiose nature of this beast switching from calmness to outright storms with walls of guitar and vocal blasts overpowering the meek first half.
“Saying Goodbye To Physical Form” rounds thing out with a noir induced presence that wouldn’t be out of place in a 1940’s jazz club and it’s only fitting that, much like death itself, things end more subdued and calmly waiting for that inevitable closing out to tie the last remaining ends of the whole experience. “Mysterium Tremendum” may very well find itself some new fans and may push Lord Dying fans in different ways but musically it’s an interesting idea filled with lots of great moments.
TRACKLIST
Envy The End
Tearing At The Fabric Of Consciousness
Nearing The End Of The Curling Worm
The End Of Experience
Exploring Inward (An Unwelcome Passenger)
Severed Forever
Even The Darkness Went Away
Freed From The Pressures Of Time
Lacerated Psyche
Split From A World Within . Devoid Of Dreams . Death The Final Loneliness
Saying Goodbye To Physical Form
