Album Review: "Echoes Of Yore" by Lord Of Shadows

In a world awash with musical hues, where shadows dance and memories intertwine, emerges a gothic doom masterpiece that defies the ordinary. “Echoes Of Yore”, the inaugural opus by Lord Of Shadows, is not a mere album; it's a tapestry of melancholic enchantment that weaves together the threads with an artistry that beckons you beyond the veil of convention.

(I will begin this review by noting that as soon as I saw Aaron Stainthorpe’s involvement with this project I was immediately excited, and eager to listen. I’d pay to listen to that man read the phone book.)

Led by the enigmatic lyricist Shadows, this confluence of musical virtuosos, including multi-instrumentalist Mike Lamb of Sojourner fame, and the haunting vocals of Aaron Stainthorpe, Heike Langhans (ex-Draconian)and Emilio Crespo (Sojourner) coalesce into a crescendo of lament and longing that resonates far beyond the ear.

Unlike a mere collection of tracks, “Echoes Of Yore” unfolds as a mournful narrative, each note an elegy to moments passed. Shadows’ lyrical prowess bridges the chasm between the ethereal and the corporeal, crafting a tale of intertwined destinies and the acceptance of one’s inevitable path. From the poignant guitar melodies that lace 'At The End Of Our Eclipse' to the interwoven vocal tapestry of 'Faith Of The Beloved', the album envelopes you in a melodic embrace that is at once exhilarating and sombre. The interplay of vocals between Stainthorpe and Langhans is something special to hear!

Diverging from the trite, and whilst undoubtedly drawing inspiration from many bands I could mention, this album casts aside some of the conventional norms and forges an identity uniquely its own. It is not just a sonic journey, but a transcendental experience that unfurls its mournful splendour in every note and every word. “Echoes Of Yore” becomes a manifestation of the heart’s whispers, a mirror reflecting the essence of human emotion.

Recorded in Ghost Bird Studios, this masterpiece emerges fully-fledged, each chord and verse resonating as if etched by the hands of fate itself. With a nod to the likes of My Dying Bride and Draconian (quite obviously!), Lord Of Shadows beckons to connoisseurs of soul-stirring doom, inviting them to delve into a realm where darkness dances with light, and agony finds solace in grandeur.

As September 1st approaches, mark your calendars and prepare to be enraptured by the shadowy embrace of “Echoes Of Yore”. It's not just an album; it's a poignant elegy that etches its mark on your soul, a serenade to the heart's deepest recesses that will leave you yearning for more. In a world where echoes fade and memories blur, “Echoes Of Yore” stands as an indelible testament to the enduring power of musical artistry.

Review by: Dan