This is the fifth album from US doom band Morne.
Engraved with Pain combines elements of doom, sludge, post-metal, and crust, to create a 41-minute album of bleak emotion and textured heaviness.
Stylistic reference points include acts such as Neurosis, Amenra, Isis, Downfall of Gaia, Cult of Luna, and Agrimonia, although Morne have been doing this long enough to have developed a personality of their own.
Morne have a heaviness to them that’s powered by brute emotion. This is then refined by the intelligent application of songcraft and worldbuilding techniques, and layered with the sort of delicate touches that bring out the beauty in the darkness. There are four songs on Engraved with Pain, and each one builds its own world from the ground up, while fitting neatly within Morne’s musical framework.
The post-metal build/release mechanic is well-used, helping the tracks to craft atmosphere and mood to strong effect. The weighty music is driven by internal dynamics that make for compelling soundscapes, blending harsh aggression with vivid feeling.
Engraved with Pain is an absorbing and enjoyable listen. The songs are well-crafted and take the listener on a journey into the band’s heart of darkness.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 