Cemetery Skyline – Nordic Gothic (Review)

This is the debut album from dark rock band Cemetery Skyline.

Boasting current/ex-members of bands such as Amorphis, Grand Cadaver, Dark Tranquillity, Entombed A.D., The Halo Effect, Insomnium, Malpractice, Sentenced, and Witchery, a lot of experience and skill has gone into the making of Nordic Gothic. Cemetery Skyline use their experience well, forging a 49-minute album the combines dark and melodic rock with Gothic flair.

Nordic Gothic is an album where the singer of Dark Tranquillity really gets to showcase his impressive singing voice. I’ve always like his clean vocals, so listening to this was mandatory. He’s had an explosion of creativity in the last few years, and he’s absolutely on fire.

Nordic Gothic is clearly an album born from a love of bands like Sisters of Mercy and Type O Negative – and others – yet Cemetery Skyline don’t limit themselves to just this. Think a mix of these bands, with aspects of others such as Beseech, Dool, Paradise Lost, HIM, Moonspell, To/Die/For, 69 Eyes, etc., as well as obviously some elements from the band members’ storied histories themselves.

The music is steeped in melancholic auras, Gothic atmosphere, and emotive impact. The songs have been lovingly crafted and professionally delivered. Adorned with luscious keyboards and rich in atmospheric presence, the songs focus on channelling these strengths into catchy hits of anthemic stadium-friendly rock. The songs make a firm impact straight away, but this only grows with familiarity as the hooks become embedded.

Cemetery Skyline have put out a record that is sure to garner much deserved praise. Nordic Gothic is enjoyable, easy on the ear, and the product of skilled musicians with a clear vision.

Recommended for fans of the style.