Moonspell have been performing together and releasing music for quite some time that is over twenty years, and with ten prior studio recordings to their name they must be doing something right. Influenced by such groups as The Sisters of Mercy, Fields of the Nephilim, Bauhaus, and Type O Negative this Portuguese dark metal group's latest is called Extinct which is also the theme of the album. Extinct may not be Moonspell's heaviest release but that really isn't an issue with songs that are this good, and it's not like Moonspell have ditched the metal. Extinct has a dark side and is quite melodic, atmospheric and the songs are fairly straightforward not overly long and most importantly very easy to like. With impressive lead work such as the soaring guitar solo on "Domina" and the keyboards on this album also add to that rich appeal.
Extinct sounds great but that's not surprising as the album was produced by Jens Bogren (Katatonia, Amon Amarth, Opeth and Paradise Lost). Vocalist Fernando Ribeiro lays down a very strong performance on Extinct between the clean and death vocals he delivers the appropriate balance. I really like the different moods of opener Breathe (Until We Are No More) and that eastern input sounds wonderful as it does on the excellent upbeat "Medusalem" like Orphaned Land goes Gothic. Title track "Extinct" has some of the catchiest potent riffs with a compelling chorus, Moonspell really impress with this song one that is sure to be a hit.
Change can be a good thing, Moonspell aren't afraid to try something different and they sure got it right here, Extinct is a great album for sure and it's not just one for fans of gothic metal/rock.
See more about this release on our recent YouTube show!
Track Listing:
1. Breathe (Until We Are No More
2. Extinct
3. Medusalem
4. Domina
5. The Last Of Us
6. Malignia
7. Funeral Bloom
8. A Dying Breed
9. The Future Is Dark
10. La Baphomette
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