Deadly Mourning Shadows is a Doom Death Metal solo artist (“Melkor”) from Portugal. On August 24th, 2024, Melkor released his Deadly Mourning Shadows debut full-length album, “Shadows of Despair”. The album was released through Supergoat Wreck-Whordes / Studios13.
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Deadly Mourning Shadows, Shadows of Despair Review: This review will evaluate every aspect of the album, from its intricate musical composition to its production. Our analysis will provide valuable insights to help you determine if this album is worth adding to your collection.
The First Three Sins of Shadows of Despair
Let’s start by discussing the first three sins of Deadly Mourning Shadows, and his album, Shadows of Despair
The First Sin, The Strings/Keys: Guitars are characterized by their heavy and aggressive tones, producing melancholic riffs that establish a sombre ambiance. The inclusion of atmospheric keyboard elements enhances the sense of despair and sorrow within the composition, while the bass riffs contribute additional weight to the overall mournful sound. The Second Sin, The Vocals: Features profound growls that perfectly express the emotional intensity of the the music. The Third Sin—The Percussions: Delves into a vast world of powerful rhythms, incorporating various tempos that complement the music, atmosphere, and overarching concept.
The Fourth Sin: Overall Discussion:
Music delves into the profound themes of love, betrayal, and intense emotions.
Before heading into the article, this is the fourth review of six (Melkor‘s reviews). Like Temple of the Fallen, Wasteland Requiem and Carnificina. Deadly Mourning Shadows is another project from sole and foundered artist Melkor. Unlike Temple of the Fallen, Wasteland Requiem and Carnificina, the listener will found Deadly Mourning Shadows a more darker and emotional.
Before the listener engaging with the play button, Melkor has presented something different and unusual. Based on my understanding and viewpoint, the artwork and accompanying information suggest that Shadows of Despair embodies a sombre love narrative, encompassing themes of love, betrayal, and profound emotions. For me, I feel like, each composition is divided into four segments or acts, reminiscent of a theatrical performance.
Contrary to standard review procedures, I will examine each piece individually before offering a concise summary, moving on with the review. The moment the listener hits the play button, they are enveloped by the haunting thirteen-minute opener, Whispers of Betrayal. This welcomes the listener with a melancholic atmospheric key and a soft female whisper that sets a sombre tone. This is soon accompanied by heavy, sorrowful guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and emotionally charged, deep growls that resonate with the soul. The atmospheric keys weave a dark shroud, invoking feelings of grief and reflection. As the piece unfolds, the listener is drawn into a heartfelt segment filled with sorrowful whispers, before seamlessly transitioning back to the powerful doom/death metal instrumentation and resonant growls.
She fled, and left my soul to die, in sorrow’s grip, I breathe a sigh
Her smiles, her vows, all turned to dust, in love’s cruel game, I placed my trust.
She vowed to stay, to never part, to reign forever in my heart
But now those words are empty lies, beneath her gaze, deceitful eyes
[certain aspects of the lyrics]
Embarking on the next chapter of the journey, the second ten-minute composition, Lament of the Forsaken, envelops the listener in a chilling soundscape that evokes deep feelings of abandonment, grief, and treachery. It begins with the battered sound of waves of water and the soft patter of rain, setting a sombre tone. As the piece unfolds, mournful piano keys emerge, weaving a tapestry of despair. The fusion of Melkor fruit of art devilmanship, instrumentation and a haunting musical score amplifies the oppressive atmosphere reminiscent of doom metal, while the fierce, aggressive undertones of death metal resonate through the listener’s mind. Layered beneath it all are sorrowful keys, shrouded in a veil of darkness, enhancing the overall sense of desolation.
As the listener delves deeper into the narrative, they encounter the seven-minute third track, Love’s Dark Requiem. This composition navigates the shadowy realms of love and loss, beginning with the gentle chirping of birds and ethereal keys that invite the listener into its haunting theme. The soundscape shifts to a heavier, more intense atmosphere compared to the previous two pieces, yet it still encapsulates the feelings of love’s betrayal and profound sorrow. The journey concludes with the return of birdsong and the soft keys, creating a poignant closure. Wrapping up the album is the nine-minute finale, Echoes of Treachery, which greets the listener with atmospheric keys and the soothing sound of water. This track explores the enduring effects of betrayal, bringing the story to a reflective conclusion.
In summary, this is the third project of Melkor, and each project is different and very enjoyable, but also, each one is a fruit of art. However, Shadows of Despair transcended my expectations, revealing an auditory experience that was surprising and emotional-heavy, to listen to. While I have encountered music that explores themes of loss, emotion, and love, this particular work, feels more in-depth, especially the weight of the lyrics when paired with the music, amplifies the overall intensity of the concept.
Melkor’s fruit of art skills shines through in its production, his devilmanship, composition, music and his lyrical artistry. The production captures sound with exquisite precision, enveloping the listener in a rich auditory tapestry. The fusion of slow, melancholic doom metal with the ferocity of death metal evokes a spectrum of emotions—hatred, sorrow, and love. What further enriches this experience are the intricate sound effects, meticulously chosen tempos, haunting whispers, and vocal performances. The symphonic sections weave additional layers, adding more depth, veil of sorrow, and emotion, crafting an intense and introspective journey through the music.
We want to give a shoutout to Melkor for letting us review his album, Shadows of Despair. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review
The Last Three Sins
Let’s discuss the last three sins of Deadly Mourning Shadows, and his album, Shadows of Despair
The Fifth Sin, The Memorabilia:
For me; as mentioned before, after listening and reviewing three of Melkor projects, and more reviews on the way. Shadows, and Despair, stood out as the most challenging to review and listen to. Shadows of Despair, struck me as a heavier (doom/death) approach and the similar dark tone, sense of melancholy and sorrowful atmosphere, that found in the UK post-rock band Joy Division, and a few other bands and artists to name.
Depending on each listener, engaging with this type of music requires a clear and refreshed mindset. Personally, I believe it complements perfectly those gloomy, rainy evenings or serves as an ideal backdrop for a soothing soak in a warm bubble bath.
The Sixth Sin, The Artwork:
One could argue, that the artwork, is done with A.I., but if helps one’s work, but does not do the work for you, then it is perfectly acceptable. The artwork, including the back cover, beautifully encapsulates the entire essence of the music concept.
The Seventh Sin, Disrelish:
Nothing to disrelish within the musical spectrum of Deadly Mourning Shadows, and his album, Shadows of Despair. Therefore, this concludes Deadly Mourning Shadows, and his album, Shadows of Despair review.
Members
The music, vocals, mixing, mastering, and artwork were all done by Melkor
Track-Listing
01. Whispers of Betrayel
02. Lament of the Forsaken
03. Love’s Dark Requim
04. Echoes Of Treachery
