UltimateMetal.com album review of ‘The Failing Light', September 2005
[View the article on UltimateMetal.com's website here]
[UltimateMetal.com]
With October rapidly approaching, and the last vestiges of summer rapidly spluttering from existence, this seems like an apt time to be reviewing the debut album from Season's End, I began my review of this very album almost exactly a year ago to the day. A lot has happened in that year - hurricanes, tsunami, terrorist bombings - and we're all a little older (although I'm pretty sure I'm not any wiser). And you know what? This is still a really enjoyable record. On the strength of the band's self-released effort UM reviewed last year, 1 Records Worldwide picked up The Failing Light, and - following a remaster - are now releasing it in this limited digipac.
The sound has improved somewhat, with decent production allowing the quintet's brand of gothic metal to shine. Melodic, clean, and distorted guitars, female and male singing, growling and prominent symphonics are all central to the sound. A solid rhythm section helps drive the well written and memorable songs, all of which positively drip melancholy. Continual variation in style and structure keeps everything interesting throughout, so much so that even a year after I first heard the record it is still growing on me. A solid, multifaceted release from one of the most promising bands in the UK underground, The Failing Light is well worth checking out for gothic metal fans.
7.5 out of 10
Russell Garwood of UltimateMetal.com
http://www.ultimatemetal.com
