MOONSPELL - FAR FROM GOD

Vocalist Fernando Ribeiro has a deep and velvety drawl, seductive and gentle, suited for his role as dark storyteller with mysterious resonance. There is a tonal shift in “Biblical” and “Our Freedom To Fall”, showing more direct, tormented vocals. Far From God as an album is woven in fantasy and folklore, a series of stories where vampires and werewolves are set dressing for themes. While it is classic gothic, Far From God is unique and reinforces the power they contain that helped shape the genre with tales of redemption, resurrection and love.

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For guitar, Ricardo Amorim’s riffs are dense, the solo work on “The Great Wolf In The Sky” is iconic. The moody chords weave well with basslines to create something passionate and mellow, haunting yet aggressive in its own right. It creates a texture in the sound that is pleasant to listen to, a unification of rich sound.

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Pedro Paixão crafts an emotive atmosphere with keyboards and masterful layering, providing a romantic backdrop for the lyrical work. “Cross Your Heart” has a certain uplift to it, while “Your Promise Of Light” and “For The Love of Mortals” are glowing. The keys add choral ambience and melancholic melodies that set the songs apart. 

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The epic and high point comes in on “The Great Wolf In The Sky”, accompanied by expressive strings from guest artist Alicia Nuhro. The bass slaps, the keyboards feel ethereal, and the strings roll back and forth in melodic cycles that shape this incredibly emotive song that serves as a memorial to the lost. A fitting and powerful tribute.

Drums are solid and structured, Hugo Ribeiro’s drumming is heavy-hitting and a slower pace to suit the moody tone of the album. The depth works in favour of the vibe, with tracks like “Reconquista” having a relaxed patterning and others such as “Cross Your Heart” having a heavier, slightly more aggressive vibration.

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Aires Pereira’s bass has gloomy depth and is crucial to that classic goth sound. The basswork on “Far From God” and “Biblical” broods and lays low, forming rich basslines that build over time, creating layered tracks that are so reminiscent of 90s goth. There’s a sprinkle of nostalgia throughout, Far From God still standing strongly on its own without too much reliance on the past as it makes its own name in the genre.

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Far From God is a dark tale, solemn, romantic and existential. It is beautiful in its darkness, contemporary and elegant, a hallowed call from creatures of the night. It is sure to sate those hungry for a modern, gothic sound.

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SCORE 9.5/10

Reviewed by GhostintheamouR