Mourning Sign - Contra Mundum

Sweden’s Mourning Sign return with their latest offering entitled “Contra Mundum”. This is a band that transcends genres while maintaining the foundation of standards that true metal is based upon. Melodic in theory, and technical in precision and delivery, this album hits true and it hits hard. While labeled as progressive metal, this album sound more along the lines of doom/death with progressive overtones. The riffage ix a mixture of power and doom with the ever apparent death metal attitude. Fans of Candlemass, My Dying Bride, Novembers Doom, and Swallow the Sun will eat this up. It’s that type of style just a tad rawer in form. Solos are used sparingly yet proficiently, and this method works flawlessly.

The drum work is a little more traditional in its presentation, but more death metal in style. The doom element is still there pounding your brain into submission. Flawless in temp change, the drummer is most proficient and his playing can be compared to the agonizing lashes of a razor blade whip! The bass is mixed well and prominent where it needs to be. Excellent incorporation of the instrument done for maximum effect and it works perfectly The level or prominence of an instrument such as the bass would indicate to me, a high level of emotive indications, but obviously that is open to interpretation. You can tell, from the level of talent here, that these guys are humble musicians with a high reverence for musical art. When you take that proficiency and talent, combine it with that reverence, what you have is an absolute reflection of the passion which is clearly evident from the first note to the last.

Low and mid-level growls are the chosen vocal patterns here, fitting like a glove with the other aspects of the album. This style has been done a million times before, but few have the authentic emotion that Mourning Sign has. That’s what sets this vocalist above the rest. Strategic in construction, dominant in deliverance, the band really come through with this offering. The passion in this album solidifies the fact that they a hold their own with any band playing the same type of metal. If you are into the bands mentioned above, then I would not hesitate and get in touch with the band or Orchestrated Misery Recordings to get a copy of this great album. When you get it, put it in your stereo, turn up the volume, and immerse yourself in its raw passion!

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1. Dualism
2. Homage To A Dying World
3. Nest Of Vipers
4. Sights Of Woe
5. The Defiant Pupil
6. These Scars
7. Who Will Crown The King
8. Sleep
9. White Light
10. The Devils We Adore