SPIRAL SKIES: Death Is But A Door (ROCK): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

"Blues For A Dying Planet" was in 2018 one of the nice surprises delivered by this doom rock sheathed with female vocals probably a bit too fashionable but which however never really disappoints. To distinguish oneself in the middle of this cohort of bands is not an easy thing anymore and yet, in its (still) modest measure, Spiral Skies managed to make itself noticed. Less for the masks behind which its (male) members feel obliged to hide their faces than for the voice of Frida Eurenius, singer combining power and expressiveness.

One small EP later ("Cult"), the Swedes are finally back with a second offering. If the recipe remains unchanged, which is very good, we have to admit that "Death Is But A Door" does better than transforming the try. All the qualities that flowed in the veins of its elder brother irrigate it in turn but even more. Starting with a goldsmith writing which underlines the difference between Spiral Skies and its numerous competitors. It's quite simple, each track of this new album is a gem cut in the best of vintage heavy doom, swollen with melodies that cling to the memory to never leave it, and this, as soon as 'The Endless Sea', a bewitching and sharp beginning.

There is obviously nothing very ambitious in it, although the incessant mutations that work 'While The Devil Is Asleep' or the second part of 'Nattmaran' that modify it in depth with its dark swerves, testify of a real appetence for the moving structures, the sinuous paths. This is also confirmed by the very beautiful 'Time' whose sudden change of tone is initiated by the sometimes almost baroque singing of Frida.

Already masterpiece (and discovery) of "Blues For A Dying Planet", the beautiful delivers again a performance as dazzling as flamboyant, as comfortable in the high roars ('Heart Of Darkness') as in a silky theatricality ('Mirage'). Her vocal lines of character model these compositions whose multiple nuances are to be praised, sometimes proto doom ('Somewhere In The Dark') sometimes heavy in its heavy accelerations and its strong rhythmic ('Into The Night') without forgetting to melt in an atmospheric delicacy like 'Mirror Of Illusion', ultimate superbly progressive pleasure.

Built by musicians faithful to the Swedish excellence, "Death Is But A Door" amplifies the success of its predecessor, elegant sheath of a doom rock at the same time mannered and unstoppable, evolving and obscure, propelled by the goddess of a funeral cult with mysterious atmospheres. In this genre, pugnacious and retro, Spiral Skies is a still too confidential formation whose talent must be discovered as soon as possible! - Official website

SPIRAL SKIES

DEATH IS BUT A DOOR

AUTRE LABEL

ROCK