Review by Jade Davis, October 14, 2022
Gothic black metal band She Must Burn make waves with their newest release Umbra Mortis.
A special thank you to The Noise Cartel for allowing us access to this piece of art a little early.
She Must Burn really brings it in terms of their dedication to the eerie and strange.
Members Kyle Lamb (vocals), James Threadwell (guitar), Frankie Keating (bass), Valis Volkova (vocals and keys), Jack Higgs (guitar), and Steve Padley (drums), really
dug their collective nails into that gold mine of theatrical and intricate, yet powerful and punching material in order to produce this release.
This album could easily pass for a remake of a Bram Stoker classic, while still giving us the brutal heaviness of a prime deathcore release. The album opens up with 'Nine', which contains dramatic clean vocals that are reminiscent of a Broadway musical. That soprano styled vocal stays consistent throughout the entire release, and is tuned very well in terns pitch. As the album unfolds, the highlights and special little moments pop up like daisies from a grave. 'Eulogy', 'Misery Eternal', and 'Souls Asunder' really drive home the theme, and showcase that comparison of sweet, winding riffs layered over top teir vocal work. And speaking of which, the screaming vocals are spot on and cut through the light, high pitched cleans creating a sickening dichotomy any fan can appreciate. What I came to appreciate more than I had anticipated was the the intermissional tune of "A Truer Hell", a short, piano based break from the immense was of vocal talent and shows yet another facet of that hauntingly beautiful, gothic style synoptic with the band.
She Must Burn have given us a entire spooky season album without the cheesiness and "This is Halloween!" type material we've seen other bands do. This a stand alone piece that displays the capability of this band to be dramatic, yet still heavy, and appeal to many. [9/10]
Comments