Deathwhite are a melodic metal band from the US and this is their third album.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed witnessing Deathwhite’s continued development, (check out Ethereal, Solitary Martyr, For a Black Tomorrow, and Grave Image), so the appearance of Grey Everlasting is very welcome. On their latest release Deathwhite spend 48 minutes doing what they do best, only better than they ever have done it before. Continue reading “Deathwhite – Grey Everlasting (Review)”
Veil of Conspiracy are a melodic metal band from Italy and this is their second album.
The promo blurb states that the 45 minutes of material on Echoes of Winter is for fans of Katatonia, Opeth, and The Morningside, which is a good starting point for Veil of Conspiracy’s sound. I’d also add that fans of bands such as Amorphis, Paradise Lost, Deathwhite, Moonspell, My Dying Bride, and Anathema will find much to like here. Continue reading “Veil of Conspiracy – Echoes of Winter (Review)”
2020 beckons, and there’s new metal to be hungrily devoured. This January seems to have been better than the last one release-wise, with a wealth of good albums to choose from. I’ve picked seven below I’ve particularly enjoyed. Let’s see what you think of these… Continue reading “Monthly Overview – the Best of January 2020”
Deathwhite are a melodic metal band from the US and this is their second album.
Ever since 2014’s Ethereal saw the light of day, I’ve enjoyed watching Deathwhite flex their creative, melodically-charged muscles. Solitary Martyr arrived a year later with a quality delivery, and by the time that 2018’s For a Black Tomorrow came around, it was clear that Deathwhite’s early promise was not squandered at all. Well, it’s now 2020, and the band have returned with 49 minutes of new material. Continue reading “Deathwhite – Grave Image (Review)”
Deathwhite have recently released their debut album – For a Black Tomorrow – into the world, and if you haven’t yet had a chance to sample the band’s emotive melodic metal, then I heartily recommend that you do. It’s a very catchy and memorable collection of songs, one which I very much hope to be able to catch live in the future, if rumours of future shows are true.
As Deathwhite are a band that I discovered and enjoyed early on with their debut EP Ethereal, I couldn’t resist putting some questions to the band, which they were good enough to answer… Continue reading “Interview with Deathwhite”
Deathwhite’s latest EP Solitary Martyr is a professional 25 minutes of polished Melodic Metal. Find out more about them below…
For those who are unfamiliar with your band – introduce yourself!
We are a trio of musicians spread across the United States, coming together with the sole purpose of creating new music together. We do not play live, so our efforts are limited strictly to the studio.
Give us a bit of history to Deathwhite
We formed in 2012 under the idea to play darker, melodic metal. Given our current locale, it was decided early on that we would not play live, but rather be a studio entity. The approach has worked well thus far. In 2014, we released our first EP, Ethereal, and are following it up with Solitary Martyr.
Where did the band name come from?
Our name is derived from an Omnium Gatherum song, which dates back to their 2003 album, Spirit and August Light. As you are aware, coming up with a proper band name is a difficult task. However, we feel “Deathwhite” is a suitable one, for it doesn’t pigeonhole us, although there is a severe proliferation of bands with the word “death” in their name. We are simply adding to the list.
What are your influences?
Our main influences would be Katatonia, Anathema, My Dying Bride, Alcest, Isis, Junius, and Green Carnation. Surely there are countless more lying beneath the surface, although we try to be a band that doesn’t prominently display its influences on its sleeve.
What are you listening to at the moment that you would like to recommend?
A band of tremendous influence would be the Netherlands An Autumn for Crippled Children. Vocally, we are worlds apart, yet their melodic phrasing, penchant for atmosphere, and memorable nature of their songs is utterly captivating. They cannot be recommended enough.
What’s your favourite song on the EP and why?
“Suffer Abandonment” is certainly a favourite, although all five songs have their merit. It was released as the EP’s first “single” because it was probably the most immediate. On the vocal-front, it’s probably the best representation of what the band is capable of as well. It was an easy choice to release first.
What are the subjects/themes of the songs on this EP?
The themes range from self-doubt (“Pressure”), frustration with organized religion (“Suffer Abandonment”), the treatment of marginalized people based on their demographics (“Vain”), withstanding the urge to fall in line with the faceless sheep of the world (“Solitary Martyr”) and how people need to do a better job of owning up to the decisions they make in life (“Only Imagined”).
Give us a bit of information on your songwriting process
Because none of us reside in the same city, all songwriting work is done via computer. Files are traded, ideas are exchanged, then we firm the songs up prior to hitting the studio. The band’s previous version often rehearsed in-person, but that’s simply not possible with this lineup. It actually makes the whole process much easier, believe it or not.
How did the recording go?
The recording of Solitary Martyr was about as effortless and enjoyable as one could hope for. Brette Ciammara is a total pro, and is a master at getting strong, professional sounds. Plus, he did plenty of post-production work that enhanced the album. There’s not much more you could ask for in a partner like him.
How do you see your songs/direction developing in the future?
Deathwhite will never undergo a radical change in direction, but we are planning on adding keyboards to our sound. It’s unlikely we will take the bait of having growled/death metal vocals, either. Clean, well-sung vocals are very much the strength of the band, and, it’s a challenge to write for them. The end result, though, is worth it once everything is put together.
What’s next for Deathwhite?
Right now, we are composing songs for a full-length, which should see the light of day in 2016. In addition to that, we will be promoting Solitary Martyr throughout the remainder of the year.
A sincere thanks for your support,
DW
This is the second EP from US Melodic Metal band Deathwhite.
We’ve met these before on their début EP Ethereal. Katatonia, Paradise Lost and Anathema remain prime influences but once again Deathwhite put their own spin on things.
The songs have a confidence and maturity about them that belie the band’s youth; these are the songs you would expect from a group that had been together for many more years than this. These are well-written tracks that wear their influences on their sleeves and yet don’t sound derivative.
I can easily imagine these tracks being played on a large stage. The melodic nature of the band stands up to scrutiny well and this is a memorable, catchy collection of songs.
It’s all very easy listening and just seems to melt out of the speakers. The singer’s voice in particular is soft and enticing.
My only complaint with solitary Martyr is that it could do with a little more variety as it relies a little too much on the heavy/light approach that was so popular in the late 90s/early 00s, but this is really only a minor thing as ultimately these songs are very enjoyable.
Check them out.
Deathwhite are from the US and play Melodic Metal.
A short acoustic intro, (the title track), sets the scene before launching into the first track proper When I (Wasn’t) You. It’s clear that bands like Katatonia, Paradise Lost and Anathema are influences and Deathwhite make the most of this legacy whilst making their own mark with these inspirations in mind.
The tracks are emotive and expressive, with instruments played with real feeling. Due to the style the songs sound instantly welcoming; the melodic nature of the riffs; the Doom Metal tinges; the clean singing almost angelic; it’s a heady package.
The riffs have a Post-Black Metal feel to them in addition to the aforementioned influences; these are set against a backdrop of heartfelt vocals that are like liquid silk floating delicately on the sea of Melodic Metal. Said riffs act as soft waves and the drums are ripples from gently dropping rain.
The plaintive tones and singing combine to make a carefully crafted set of songs that pluck at the heartstrings whilst still retaining a healthy, heavy, Metal persona.
25 minutes of quality Metal written and performed to a high standard. Recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 