MARRIAGE TO THE SEA

The Court of Destruction

In "Marriage to the Sea", Washington, USA band GALLOWS HYMN appears to have honed down to a duo + guests, from a trio+ on their second album, and a quartet+ on their debut release, with Zach Hornung: Lead, rhythm and 12 string guitars, bass, keyboards and drum programming, and Nicholas Spevak: Lead guitar and drum programming, as the two consistent members in the band.

Death growls also seem to have been replaced, at least on this track (a run-up to their third full-length album coming later 2021), in which we hear gothic- and opera-tinged clean male and female vocals, courtesy of Olga Nuit: Lead and backing vocals; Jeremiah Johnson: Lead and backing vocals; and Laura Gonzalez: Backing vocals.

Symphony of Cacophony

The track opens with a classical guitar duet that quickly gives way to technical and power-progressive metal dark energy, with those gothic-tinged male vocals singing in seeming soliloquy looking back on a damned, tormented, power-mad life of debauchery.

Operatic female vocals replace him over the busy, complex instrumentals, capably capturing the anguish and struggle within the tale. She suggests for her part that her sexual exploitation is part of the subjugation within the grasp for power and 'pleasure'- yet ultimately destroys.

Then, as if to underscore how both the male and female perspective are united in misery, the vocalists use octaves to create a mood.

The Sea

The tune transitions into dark, down-tuned guitar/bass riffs and the first mention of "Wed to the Sea" with vocals punctuating the heavy guitar licks. 'The Sea' in biblical literature often suggested evil, the menacing underworld, and chaos; and in more contemporary themes the juxtaposition of the power, majesty, and beauty of the sea- yet it's terrifying, death-dealing power alongside.

We hear a symphonic passage with punchy bass guitar accents, then the band blasts back in with searing lead guitar lines. More dark bass/guitar riffs, and the lead guitar re-enters over busy backing riffs.

Then, the Close

Soon we hear the dark heavy passage give way to an orchestral passage with dancing flute sounds and string textures, which end the track. I had to think of 'Paradise Lost' and other reveries on the illusive nature of human searches for power and pleasure.

In Conclusion

GALLOWS HYMN has given a glimpse into a different realm of music from their first two albums- one that effectively and stirringly presents intelligent lyrics and weds these to complex, heavy, technical and symphonic musical elements.

I think this one rates a furious four stars- and excellent addition to any progressive music collection.

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