Tales Of Mike – Abandoned Review

As soon as the listener presses play, they are enveloped in a haunting and evocative soundscape, accompanied by melodic and atmospheric instrumentation that sets the stage for Abandoned. This six-minute journey unfolds with a heavy doom metal essence, rich in emotional depth and complexity. 

As the listener embarks on their journey, they will discover that Abandoned feels like a fresh chapter, seamlessly continuing from previous works like Landscape of Sorrow. You’ll find yourself understanding that this is not just music but a strong statement that speaks volumes, regardless of whether you’re a veteran follower or new to Tales of Mike. “Landscape of Sorrow” speaks to the sorrow of losing a brother, and “Human Masquerade” to the hypocrisy of humanity and the resilience of those who are unfazed by lies.

And now Abandoned takes you on a dark path (lyrical and poetic, inked by Shannon Heß) by into the consequences of selfish ambition. A song about the cracks that appear when others are left behind in the climb to the top, only to find nothing but emptiness in the end. “Those who sacrifice others to elevate themselves will end up alone.” [Tales of Mike]

Abandoned gradually shifts from the initial essence of the single Human Masquerade towards the heavier, more grandiose, and emotionally cold charged laden-doom sound of Landscape of Sorrow. This entire single is a fruit of art, beautifully captured in a potent DIY production that effectively blends sounds and chords to capture every nuance, from the delicate tones to the slow, dense tempo. This production stands as a fruit of art, striking a perfect balance between the rawness of the music and its crystal-clear clarity, effectively expressing profound emotions while maintaining a refined, polished sound.

Tales of Mike and their single, Abandoned is a solid fruit of art release that is delivered on a sliver plate and offered to the listener by this fruit of art devilmanship. It offers listeners an intense experience that ignites both the ears and the soul, characterized by a dark, slow, and emotionally charged tempo that subtly modulates. Furthermore, the composition and arrangement are flawlessly executed—both instrumentally and sonically. Mike’s guitar work produces and delivers heavy-distortion doom-laden riffs that seamlessly merge melodic intensity with profound emotional resonance and melancholic melodies. 

Simultaneously, Henrik Schaller guitar solos infuse a richly complex, dynamic, and expressive dimension into the music and its composition. As the bass reverberates, it adds depth and establishes a robust foundation. Meanwhile, the drumming explores a realm of thunderous rhythms and beats, crafting an electrifying and intense atmosphere. Gonzalo Civita‘s vocals breathe life into the music and lyrics, showcasing a range that spans from deep growls to soaring melodies. His skilful transitions between these styles enchant the listener, pulling them further into the song’s emotional depth. This vibrant interaction of instruments and vocals weaves a lush soundscape that lingers long after the last note has faded.

This six-minute narrative of Tales of Mike, along with their poignant single, Abandoned, embodies a profound emotional burden, echoing the soulful essence of Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, and Black Sabbath. Any fan of doom metal and Candlemass will surely be captivated by Tales of Mike’s latest single—a must-listen!

As the single slipped into the cold and dark shadows, it leaves behind a lingering fire of weighty-emotion and solitude, long after the last note had vanished. Now, we are going to conclude the review by talking about the final three sins and concluding the review.