Metal Hammer album review of ‘The Failing Light’ (2003 demo), May 2004
[Metal Hammer]
"British female-fronted goth metal"
While so many on the goth scene are taking inspiration from the electronica brigade, Season's End delve more into Celtic lore for their musical tastes. 'The Failing Light' is the Hampshire harbingers' debut, and if at times they seem to stretch songs almost to breaking point - three minute bashes are about as prevalent as silence at a gossips' convention - nonetheless they have an undeniable charm. More in tune with the European goth metal scene than Type O Negative or Sisters Of Mercy, this six-piece creat an elusive, genteel yet gloomy atmosphere. The keyboard washes from Dave Smith provide a haunting, fragile beauty, while Becki Clark's soaring vocals are, at times, quite mesmeric. Strangely, the best track here is probably the longest, 'One Sadness' clocking in at a shade under 10 minutes but never wavering or losing emotional focus. If Season's End could become more disciplined, and get a sharper production, then they'll be new hereoes for the British goth movement.
6 out of 10
Malcolm Dome of Metal Hammer
http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/
