Beseech - My Darkness, Darkness

Swedish goth metal band Beseech returns with their first album since 2005.Sometimes it's better to have never heard a band's previous works at all so that no pre-judgement clouds your mind while introducing yourself to their latest material. Such is the case with Swedish goth metal band Beseech, who've been around since the early 90s. Having disbanded about 10 years ago and recently reforming with new members (half the band is new), they're back with their sixth studio album, My Darkness, Darkness.

From the first minute of opener Beating Pulse, the stage is set for a great melodic, moody jam with lead vocals supplied by veteran guitarist Klas Bohlin, who assumed the role in late 2013, and is joined by Angelina Sahlgren Söder. Angelina's vocals fit beautifully with Bohlin's baritone, especially on tracks like Highwayman, which at times sounded almost like a duet between Kate Bush and the late Peter Steele (Type O Negative). This is good stuff, and will see some rotation into my new music mix.

The Bottom Line: Gothic metal can often become mired in its own existential crises, leaving fans bored and unsatisfied. Thankfully, the change in Beseech's line-up may have been just what the band needed to move forward with a new album and outlook. I'm not saying the characteristic tone of the genre is gone, but the band does manage to transcend those trappings on a - dare I say - "catchy" album. Highly recommended.

- Genghis is quite curious to check out some more of this band...