Veil of Secrets - Dead Poetry - Tempelores Magazine

Label: Crime Records
Release date: 30.11.2020 (CD/Digital) & 18.12.2020 (LP)

Intro

VEIL OF SECRETS is a new doom metal band formed by Vibeke Stene and Asgeir Mickelson. The fundament of VEIL OF SECRETS is to make music from the heart – and the belief that honest music is the only way to really captivate and move the listener. The debut album “Dead Poetry” is out now via Crime Records, and marks the return to the scene for Stene after leaving Tristania in 2007 and is Mickelson’s first outlet as main songwriter. Growling vocals on the album were done by Erling Malm (Endolith, Articulus), who will also play guitar live. Violin was done by Sareeta (Ram-Zet, ex-Ásmegin), who will also join on live shows. The live line-up will be completed with another guitarist and bassist. This constellation is “the band”, but the creative core is Stene & Mickelson.

Review

It has been a while since I listened to a decent gothic/doom metal record but this wait is now over. “Dead Poetry” offers the perfect balance of these two worlds thanks to Stene & Mickelson. The doom sound, which is prominent in the riffs, combined with Vibeke’s velvet-y vocals form the essence. This arrangements are done in a nice way to integrate both of these elements throughout the album so both worlds complement each other homogeneously. On top of this all, one nice surprise for me was the violin, which adds another great layer, completing the magical and melancholic sound of the album. In addition, the dedicated fans of these genres are guaranteed to go to a little nostalgic trip with this old-school gothic/doom sound!

One big highlight for me – and surely for a lot of fans – is Vibeke’s comeback… and what a comeback this is! Not only does she bring a different dimension to the songs but from her immense talent to her vocal style, she sounds powerful, mesmerizing and confident! Her vocals also deliver that melancholic atmosphere, which is implemented well into the style. I can recommend “Meson” for instance, where we get to feel the song through her vocals from the beginning to the end.

“Dead Poetry” is the release the fans of that old-school gothic/doom sound need. Surely it might not be a “love at first sight” as it might not flow or be catchy right from the start, but with each listen, you will discover the beauty of it. I am looking forward to what the band has for us in the future and how the ideas and the sound will develop.