For metalheads, the term 'nostalgia' carries a profound meaning, rooted in the very essence of the genre. Derived from ancient Greek, it signifies a longing for home that becomes a physical pain. And this is precisely what 'Harvest' offers with their debut album, 'For the Souls We Have Lost' – a remedy for those yearning for the gothic doom metal of the 1990s.
This Italian quintet pays homage to iconic bands like My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, and Katatonia. The album's core is built on Sabbath-inspired riffs, echoing the sound of My Dying Bride's Sabbath revival on albums like 'The Angel and the Dark River'. Lead vocalist Emanuele's vocals are reminiscent of Aaron Stainthorpe, ranging from clean to extreme. Together with guitarist Fabio Torresan, they create a captivating blend of gothic croons, Iommian phrases, and macabre growls, particularly evident in the track 'Floating Leaves'.
But creating a gloomy atmosphere is essential for gothic doom, and Harvest delivers. Keyboardist Matteo Gandolfi adds depth with synthetic strings, choirs, and horns, enhancing the open production style of the album. This is most notable in songs like 'Floating Leaves', 'Born Alone', and the closing track, 'The Path of Life'. Harvest's debut transports listeners to a 1997 graveyard poetry reading, with Paradise Lost's 'Gothic' and Katatonia's 'Brave Murder Day' setting the mood.
However, while the album succeeds in capturing the essence of its influences, it falls short in some aspects. The main riffs in 'Hunter of Souls' and 'Shining Moon' lack complexity, and the songwriting, particularly in the middle sections, becomes predictable. These sections also highlight the dryness of the non-distorted guitar tones, as heard in the opener 'Born Alone', where the clean guitar lacks character.
The vocals, while occasionally impressive, face their own hurdles. Emanuele's mid-range croon creates memorable hooks in some tracks, but in others, the cleans don't quite land. The verse in 'In Shape of Beast' features melodic jumps that feel out of sync with the music. And the a cappella vocals at the end of 'Shining Moon' lack the power to command attention.
Ultimately, 'For the Souls We Have Lost' will resonate with those who deeply connect with 90s gothic doom metal. It offers a comforting journey through its 37-minute runtime, especially with tracks like 'Floating Leaves' and 'The Path of Life'. However, for those less familiar with the subgenre, the album's retro production and inconsistencies might hinder full enjoyment. Harvest has successfully captured the spirit of their influences, and one can only hope their next release will build on their strengths to forge a distinct identity.
Rating: 2.0/5.0
And here's where it gets controversial: Is 'For the Souls We Have Lost' a mere imitation of its influences, or does it bring something genuinely new to the table? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
