I refer to My Dying Bride’s latest effort, “Evinta”. It is a departure from the standard fare that they produce, the harsh tones and vocals set aside for lilting words and dark themes. Every piece is treated with a touch of symphonic brilliance as the band reincorporates old favorites in this new medium for them.
Aaron Stainthorpe’s vocals match the tone perfectly, lulling you in through his vision of a dark poetic verse. The keyboard and piano samples played by Jonny Maudling dance through your heart and soul as they set up the wonderful work on the viola and cello, played by Alice Pembroke and Johan Baum, respectively.
However, it is the work of Lucie Roche that stuns and amazes. Her work might not be spot on all the time but when she hits the right spots with her vocals, it can bring the toughest and darkest soul to tears.
Overall, the selection of nine tracks (fourteen if you acquired the deluxe edition) is varied in their theme and pitch. Some are mellow and light while others are powerful and open a bleak area you might not have felt before. It might scare you, it might pass over your head but do yourself a favor and take a listen, you’ll be glad you spent the time with this masterpiece.
Long time fans will think this album is hit or miss as it does not fit in with the back catalog (I for one think it is fantastic) but new listeners shouldn’t skip out on the greatest album in 2011.