Finally, had time to sit down and listen to For Lies I Sire, My Dying Bride’s latest album.  In the last 3 albums, MDB seemed to be going to a different direction from their roots.  Nothing wrong with that, but the whole situation sounded too commercial, or it’s like they were pressured to release music asap.  They were still writing good heavy music, but it seems that the lack of violin, helped in lack of writing good “to die with” music.  They lacked the atmosphere, which in my opinion MDB had an atmosphere of their own and that is what made them one of the most influential bands in doom metal.  They were moving towards heavier music, which didn’t had much feel, just heavy music.

But finally, it seems they are on their way back to their roots.  The violin is back, those slow guitar riffs are back accompanied by well structured drums, and Aaron’s weeping voice.  Nobody listens to MDB because of their technical music abilities, but because they were able to create a style of their own, which makes them unique.  No other band was able to create their feel, that kind of cold winter music.

For my likings, I would never rate this album anywhere near the unique ‘Turn Loose the Swans’, but they are back.  Fingers crossed for their next album, which hopefully will take all of us closer to their roots.

From the first ‘quick’ impression, it seems that My Dying Bride are finally playing old school melancholic doom again.  In the first song, finally I could hear the weeping violin, after 13 years of violin lacking.  Didn’t have time to listen to the whole album properly yet, so won’t comment much for now.

Just a note about this album’s artwork; in my opinion artwork is as important as the music itself.  Else, what is the use of buying an original album when you can get the mp3′s for free?  Or how can you listen to a melancholic doom album when the booklet includes funny cartoon images?

The artwork of For Lies I sire, is one of the darkest and “the other better half” to accompany this depressing album.  Gloomy images of death crows on King’s like black wooden chairs, religion related statues, stormy cloudy weather, blood stained flowers and the cross.  The booklet also contains two centre fold photos.  Up to you to discover them

Included in this special edition of For Lies I Sire, is also a booklet with all the guitar tabs and a guitar pick, with the My Dying Bride logo printed on it.  Nice and original thought guys!