Finnish funeral doom stalwarts Shape Of Despair invite you to embark on a contemplative journey through the perpetual darkness of the latest offering “Return To The Void”.
We bravely enter the void as the title track delivers majestic melodic crescendos fueled by the gelid guitar tonalities flowing gracefully through a crestfallen atmospheric ensemble embellished by angelic female vocals.
Within the cold cinematic soundscapes of “Solitary Downfall” guitars continue to combine beautiful forlorn melodies and crushing doom riffage following a painfully slow tempo while cavernous growls and ethereal vocals naturally express an emotional whirlwind.
On “Forfeit” the monumental drumming and the monochromatic guitar sound generate a perennial sense of hopelessness and oppressive rhythmic patterns in contrast with the captivating dreamy atmospheric breakdown.
Everything on “The Inner Desolation” matches the title focusing on a lugubrious blend of mournful melodic phrases and heavy doom laden guitar riffs once again surrounded by refined sorrowful atmospheric layers leading to a particularly haunting finale featuring melancholic vocal harmonies.
Channeling grief and infinite gloom throughout “Return To The Void” Shape Of Despair depict a darkened bleak world where heart wrenching melodic tapestries and monolithic doom progressions become seamlessly entwined.