This is the second album from international death metal band Jade.
As a subgenre, atmospheric death metal never really took off like its black metal counterpart did. However, if you want a good example of what it might look like, then look no further than Jade. Making a good impression with 2022’s The Pacification of Death, and cementing this with last year’s split with Sanctuarium, the 43-minute Mysteries of a Flowery Dream is one I’ve been looking forward to.
If this is your first encounter with Jade then you’re in for a treat. Essentially, Jade play a mood-focused form of death metal, with doom elements, but one that also takes influence from the aforementioned atmospheric black metal style. In this way, Jade craft immense soundscapes – surprisingly succinct ones – that convey an engaging mix of darkness, grandeur, and fascination. There is much to explore on Mysteries of a Flowery Dream, from abyssal lows to soaring highs.
The songs are epic and layered, boasting a range of ideas, dynamics, structures, and paces. Jade have amassed an enviable collection of tools that they can select and use with their material, and they seem to keep adding to this toolbox with every release. Mysteries of a Flowery Dream sees Jade push themselves further. Be it the songwriting or the performances, the creative ideas or the production values, all have taken confident steps forward.
Jade’s use of melody is more adventurous and evocative on this new release, painting multi-hued soundscapes that are captivating. The rhythm guitars shape the songs into exotic structures, drawing the listener into the textured landscape that the band inhabit. The drums display both nuance and force, driving the music onwards, while also adding detailing where needed. Even the bass has stepped up in places, adding flourishes that add value and depth. The cleans/semi-cleans are used more freely, and carry greater expressive weight.
With Mysteries of a Flowery Dream Jade travel further down the path that they are carving for themselves through the extreme metal underground. Their immersive brand of atmospheric death metal has never sounded so expansive, impressive, or enjoyable. It’s a very strong release, one that absorbs over time and transports the listener to strange new worlds.
Very highly recommended indeed.
Wonderbox Metal 