
Info
- Band(s): A Dead Poem
- Label(s): Personal Records
- Release Format(s): CD
- Release Year: 2024
- Review Date: January 23, 2025
- Author(s): VincentP
You can’t accuse the Brazillian band A Dead Poem of hiding their inspirations. And indeed, it was Marlon Combat’s aim all along when he formed the band in 2023 to create a hommage to the atmosphere of Doom/Black Metal of the early 90’s in the vein of Katatonia, Paradise Lost and of course Rotting Christ. The first full-length product of that intention was released mid December 2024 bearing the title ‘Abstract Existence’.
It is clear beyond a doubt that the music of A Dead Poem is very much along the lines of Katatonia at the time of ‘Dance of December Souls’ and ‘Brave Murder Day’. Likewise, there is a strong resemblance to bands that were equally inspired by those albums such as October Tide (which were obviously a direct spin-off of Katatonia), Rapture and Daylight Dies. There is certainly a semblance of old Paradise lost on ‘Abstract Existence’ as well, but mostly in the nature of the solos. This is all topped off by that more melodic and Gothic sound of the ‘A Dead Poem’ and ‘Sleep of the Angels’ period of Rotting Christ, with the raspy touch on the vocals adding that slight Black Metal vibe to the mostly Doom Metal sound. Add in a little bit of Tiamat’s ‘A Deeper Kind of Slumber’ and together, the sound of A Dead Poem oozes that transitional period where Black, Death and Doom were uniquely transcending into each other. A time where Tiamat, Rotting Christ, Katatonia and Paradise Lost found a melody driven Doom Metal sound.
As mentioned earlier, that sound has a very short-lived life, and was mostly carried on by the likes of Rapture, October Tide and Daylight Dies. Bands, that either disbanded or were not very active for a long time. In that perspective, ‘Abstract Existence’ is a great album. Not only because it strongly emulates that cumulative sound, but also because simply not many albums are released in this style. In addition, the quality of the riffs can certainly match up with their examples. Three songs in particular stand out. ‘In Forgotten Dimensions’ is perfect the best blend of all the influences, and the solo towards the end is just splendid. In ‘Obedience’ the Paradise Lost vibe is most obvious, and I really enjoy the leads here as well. And the final track ‘Silent Tears Fall’ is filled with excellent riffs and memorable melodies, perhaps culminating in the band’s best track to date.
I would not claim that ‘Abstract Existence’ is a perfect album. Although very much in line with the rest of the material and the sources of inspiration, some songs on the album are maybe a little bit too interchangeable to really stand out. However, that does not take anything away from the effort of A Dead Poem whatsoever, delivering a very enjoyable homage to a time that melodic Doom Metal hybrid infused with Black Metal so briefly yet so brightly shone. Especially considering this is their debut, it feels as if they may very well be able to fill a gap left by those before them.
A Dead Poem
- Country: Brazil
- Style: Black Metal, Doom Metal
- Links: Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Spotify, Youtube
Related Articles
Personal Records
- Country: Mexico
- Style: Death Metal, Black Metal, Doom Metal, Other
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube