As a ‘writer’ in a genre that generally emphasizes speed, brutality and general musical nihilism, it’s often possible to get burnt out on blast beats, growling and whirlwind noise continually assaulting your senses. However, once in a rare while something comes along that offers temporary relief, something so subtle and delicate but so horribly morose, its sadness inducing gossamer notes rely on gently dragging you into the depths or sorrow, rather than metal’s usual urgency filled, immediate assault. In the past, most releases from The End records have offered a generally sobering respite, but as their bands become increasingly eclectic and bizarre, Dark Symphonies has filled that void with a debut album by Twelfth of Never, Things That Were. An album fueled by the death of a close friend of the band, it’s a melancholy gothic overture that’s stunningly far removed from the members former projects (Scattered Remnants, Blackened Chapel). With the dulcet tones of Robin Tinker layered of rending acoustics and keyboards, the album is as depressing as it is relaxing, and one of the more moving pieces of music I’ve had the disheartening pleasure to hear. So I decided to delve deeper into the misery and find out why Twelfth of Never are so sad. Members Matthew Davis (Keyboards, programming, vocals), Ron Miles (bass), and Keith Alan Landry (Guitar) were happy to oblige…
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