My Silent Wake was formed from the dying embers of Ashen Mortality in May 2005 by Ian Arkley.
My Silent Wake was formed from the dying embers of Ashen Mortality in May 2005
by Ian Arkley.
My Silent Wake - Shadow of Sorrow (Bombworks)
2006
1. "Wake" [intro]
(1:01)
2. "Shadow Of Sorrow" (8:39)
3. "Burning" (6:10)
4. "Hunting Season" (15:23)
5. "The Mist" (3:01)
6. "In Darkness" (5:28)
7. "Lost" (6:16)
8. "Through Greenest Meadows" (15:01)
9. "Shadow Reprise" (1:34)
BONUS TRACKS
10. "Your Cold Embrace" (9:03)
11. "Encircle" (7:38)
My Silent Wake sounds like it might be the name of some modern metalcore or emo band. In fact, this is far from the truth. My Silent Wake is a gothic doom metal band from England featuring the vocal and guitar talents of Ian Arkley, who has also been the main man behind Seventh Angel and Ashen Mortality, as well as the guitarist for Australian death/doom metallers Paramaecium. Musically, "Shadow of Sorrow" is dark, moody, majestic and melodic, yet still very heavy. Arkley's vocals are mostly of the death metal variety, which normally turns me off almost immediately. I have grown extremely tired of death growls over the years as they all seem to sound the same. However, on "Shadow of Sorrow" they seem to fit perfectly. Clean vocals are also used sparingly. These vocals echo back to the days of Seventh Angel. Actually, some of the music on "Shadow of Sorrow" reminds me of some of the slower, doomier moments on "Lament for the Weary" as well. It's worth noting that "Shadow of Sorrow" is chock full of thoughtful and inspired lyrics as well, that add to the overall appeal of the album. Frankly, I find it hard to put into words exactly how good the music is on this CD. While Ian has been involved in many great projects in the past, My Silent Wake is most definitely one of the best. (That's saying a lot since Seventh Angel's Lament of the Weary is quit simply one of my all time favorite albums.)
I must also make mention of the cover art by Rexorcist, one of my favorite cover artists. Rex has also done covers for Ultimatum, Seventh Angel and Tourniquet, among others.
My Silent Wake - A Garland of Tears (Bombworks/Thrashing Rage) 2008
| 1.
"Tunnels" (11:20) 2. "Cruel Grey Skies" (8:07) 3. "Pendulum" [instrumental] (2:34) 4. "By My Own Hand" (8:23) 5. "Fall of the Flightless" (9:57) 6. "Fallen Leaves" (3:33) 7. "Wilderness of Thorns" (8:02) |
SIDE A BONUS 7" |
 Red & black 12" vinyl |
"A Garland of Tears" is slow, dark, brooding, moody, gothic-tinged doom metal album with hints of death metal mixed in. Ian Arkley and Co. blend together unique melodies, that are both haunting and infectious at the same time. While the CD only boasts seven songs, most of the tracks clock in at over eight minutes in length. The entire album has that grandiose, epic feel to it. Over the years I have grown weary of death metal vocals. Quite frankly they don't offer much variety and tend to be monotonous. However, with everything I have heard from My Silent wake thus far, I have really enjoyed the vocals, including the deathly growls. There is a hint of female vocals throughout, mostly mixed as background vocals that really adds to the overall atmosphere of the music. As well, the clean vocals are done quite well.
Some may remember that Ian Arkley spent some time in Australian death/doom metal band Paramaecium. Some of that feel has come into Ian's music here as well. While the music for the most part is heavy doom, there are peaks and valleys. There are plenty of heavy, downtuned riffs throughout, but you'll find much more than that. For example, short instrumental "Pendulum" is a delicate celtic piece featuring what sounds like a piccolo or possibly a recorder.
The lyrics here are pretty dark, with deep thoughts on depression and even suicide. However, the band offers their thoughts is a well-thought out and poetic way. To make the point perfectly clear that they are not promoting suicide, Ian offers a bit of commentary on the inside cover of the CD.
Besides the Bombworks CD version, there is also a limited edition vinyl version on Thrashing Rage Productions. The vinyl was released on 10/21/2008 and is limited to 312 copies all with a free 7" bonus single with "Cruel Grey Skies" and the live bonus track "Shadow of Sorrow. The first 100 came on red and black vinyl, the rest are black. All handnumbered with a certificate.