Search - Fields of the Nephilim :: Mourning Sun

A new dawning?

Carien's Man | South Africa | 05/29/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Being a fan of FOTN for years, I've long followed another great fav of mine - Killing Joke; while not exactly Goth, but pioneers and godfathers nonetheless (take a listen to their "Hosanna in the basement of hell"), they can still convey apocalyptic sceneries and hidden messages. Few bands can pull you into their world, and Fields of the Nephs belong to the few.

The new FOTN is a let down in production and mixing, there is no sense of depth in the likeness of the superbly engineered and recorded Elysium. No, I'm not measuring it with Elysium musically, because I can appreciate the art that went into crafting some great moments on Mourning Sun. Drums have lost their awesome acoustic resonance and impact that we were once used to, guitars are often buried, Carl's voice is way too upfront (agree with other commentator), yet more beautiful than ever, angelic choirs and female vocals are transporting (this never existed on previous albums).

Drowning most of the album in synthetic percussion will take some getting use to; something I once held against the Sisters of Mercy's (drum machine) nick named "DOKTOR AVALANCHE", although they did put it to good effect many a time. For instance, I've always preferred "First and Last and Always" which was more acoustic.

This seems to be a sin that befalls great "Goth-fathers", for better or worse (not always unforgivable might I add).

In the case of "The Fields" new album; we have a very different beast. The fact that there is hardly no one other than Carl (and some occasional guests), pulling some "Front 242" style programming is testament enough of genius; Carl offers us his own nightmares with zeal and mesmerizing seduction; his work of art.

What we have here is "the evolution of FOTN", while never losing sight of the essence of who they once were. Much in the way of "Zoon" being a natural progression in its own time and space, Mourning Sun is still Carl's enduring vision.

This is an artist in isolation willing to share some beautifully ethereal and deeply entrancing music "still in a smoky yet truly colorful display".

To be digested with caution, but mouth watering... it surely is!

"

Real gothic rock returns courtesy of Mr. McCoy of course!!!

Justin Black | Bishop, CA | 06/24/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a Fields of the Nephilim fan since a friend exposed me to their Buring the Fields EP just before Dawnrazor was released in 1986 or 87. I still have everything they ever released on vinyl for God's sake! I only flirted with the goth lifestyle (if there is such a thing) back in high school and freshman year of college, but FotN has been there all along the way. To say that this music has staying power is an understatement! That said, Mourning Sun is so incredibly refreshing and reassuring in an era when the music press tells us that corporate packaged pap like Evanascence, Marilyn Manson, and various death metal bands or pop in black mascara are gothic rock. Beyond comparisons to the wannabe-goth of today, it is simply a great album! For anyone who hasn't heard Fields of the Nephilim's "Dawnrazor," "The Nephilim," and "Elizium" albums (not to mention Sisters of Mercy's "First and Last and Always" and "Floodland," and The Mission's "The First Chapter" and "God's Own Medicine"), first buy those! Then, buy Mouring Sun!!! It is by far the finest true gothic rock album released since Elizium, what?, 16 years ago?



By the way, I like McCoy's "Zoon" too, though the only pure gothic rock track on it is "Shine." However, that one track alone is well worth the price of the album... It is really an ULTRA-classic.



Oh, and a comment for those who bemoan the absence of the original band members... I'd love to see a reunion too, but only if it would make the end result stronger. The original FotN was wonderful then, and Carl and Co. is cranking out wonderful work now, so who's to complain?!? Come on Carl! Do it at least one more time! Preferably before 2021!"