The Portuguese dark force returns with their fifth full-length. Carrying on their brooding textures, 'Darkness & Hope' actually reaches further into the depths of morbidity to come up with an album that is chilling, ... more » haunting & full of dark introspection. 'Darkness & Hope' was granted a layer of sonic greatness by H.I.M. Producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, & features a cover of the enduring Ozzy Osbourne classic, 'Mr. Crowley'. Nuclear Blast.« less
The Portuguese dark force returns with their fifth full-length. Carrying on their brooding textures, 'Darkness & Hope' actually reaches further into the depths of morbidity to come up with an album that is chilling, haunting & full of dark introspection. 'Darkness & Hope' was granted a layer of sonic greatness by H.I.M. Producer Hiili Hiilesmaa, & features a cover of the enduring Ozzy Osbourne classic, 'Mr. Crowley'. Nuclear Blast.
Amy K. (gnatclapper) from SKILLMAN, NJ Reviewed on 2/9/2008...
Pretty good if you like that dark, gothic sound.
CD Reviews
If you like your Goth HEAVY....
Crypt | Arkham | 05/24/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...or if you like your Hard Rock dark, melodramatic, romantic, vampiric... Look no further than the latest by Portugal's Children Of The Night, Moonspell. This album is a real breath of fresh air. So many Goth bands seem to avoid bringing a harder edge into their music, and so many "Goth/Metal" bands are simply not Goth, but Black Metal. Moonspell once again combine their traditional Heavy Metal influence with the brooding, romantic Goth rock which flourished in the underground during the 80's. This is, without a doubt their best album since Ireligeous. They'e toned down some of the over the top theatrics and campiness of that album, but still delivered one of the best Goth albums of 2001. I wasn't the least bit disappointed. Especially since their previous two albums just didn't grab me at all. On Darkness And Hope, Moonspell have brought back the Vampiric charm and wonderfully "witchy" vibes of their earlier sound. (Not when they were a black metal band) This time around however, their 80's Gothic Rock influence really shines through brightly (in a dark way of course). Fernando's rich baritone is stronger and more mature than ever. He still sounds like Dracula. The music, though catchier, is much darker in essence than their last two albums and that is something that I was very pleased with. And yes, they're still writing songs about Vampires, the Night, Goth Chicks, Love, Sorrow, etc.... Goth and proud of it! I can't wait to hear the next album. Oh, and their cover of Ozzy's Mr. Crowley blew me away. I don't see why people seem to dislike it. It rocks!"
One of Moonspell's best attempts
Glamhammer | Owensville, MO | 10/25/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Driven by vocalist Fernando Ribeiro's haunting baritone and lathered with near-perfect production, Darkness and Hope is certainly the most accessible of Moonspell's releases; thankfully, it turns out to be one of the best, as well. If anything, Darkness and Hope is gloomier, darker, and (dare we say hopeless?) more melancholic than their previous releases. The album from start to finish fairly moans its anguish through the speakers as Ribeiro alternately sings and roars his increasingly tortured lyrics over the rumbling thunder of Ricardo Amorim's blackened guitars. The keyboards are omnipresent as would be expected from Moonspell, but they don't become the dominant instrument as the band often (sometimes unwittingly) makes them. Compared to other Moonspell albums, solos abound on Darkness and Hope, with "Nocturna" and the cadaverous cover of Ozzy's "Mr. Crowley" taking center stage with melodic and soulful wails. Beyond that, other songs of note include the driving "Firewalking," pop-influenced "Heartshaped Abyss," and the incredible, haunting masterpiece "Ghostsong." All in all, Darkness and Hope won't disappoint longtime Moonspell fans and beginners will find much to enjoy."
Excellent, Dark and Essential...
Ravi S. Madapati | California, US | 03/25/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This a perfect album for you to get into Moonspell. For those of you who came all along here to read this review, if you are a beginer into Moonspell but have heard other similar bands, dont think twice this is a great album. If you have the previous Moonspell albums and are reading this to make sure you can buy it, yes this is a worthy buy. If you are a hardcore fan of Spell, like me, well, you got this album already then.I personally love Irreligious in entirity, think that Sin/Pecado is their most creative and best and Butterfly Effect as a good experiment gone wrong but worth buying none the less. Darkness & hope (DH) is nothing compared to the previous one but is excellent. The lyrics are good/deep, voice is superb perhaps the best of Fernando, guitars crushing as always, drums powerful like a strom, bass subtle and keys creepy and beautiful. Initially I disliked this album but after 2-3 hearing, its awesome. 6 out of 11 track stand apart. The tittle song Darkness & hope has a killer guitar rhythm that will haunt you. The second one is Firewalkin which is one of the best in the CD and is heavy and thrashing (Like Pantera meets Tiamat). The third Nocturna is one of the career best songs of Moonspell and I just love it, its dark and haunting. Its mysterious and atmosperic. 5th track DEvilred is crushing and worth of a strong headbang, esp, the awesome double bass in the begining. 6th, Ghost song is my fav track of the CD, I heard the song in repeat mode for a eternity and I am up for it again, its too good. Hear it dont just take my words. 9th one is mysterious and powerful. Rest of the ones I dint mention are average, not bad songs. I did not like the cover song of Ozzy, Mr. Crowley, its boring and doesnt fit in with Moonspell's type of music. they must have covered Type O Negative or Paradise Lost or something. Anyway, this is a excellent album and you will sure enjoy it if you have ever liked Moonspell and if you havent heard them before, it's time!"
Letdown
Brian Skala | Fort Worth, TX United States | 07/27/2006
(2 out of 5 stars)
"I loved Illreligous, and very much dislike this one. It's not bad but what it does have is certain boredom. All the songs sound the same. No high points, no low points. Sounds like a rushed album and shows in the songwritting. I wish to get other Moonspell albums..hopefully not as bad as this one."
Powerful and Beautiful
Cheryl A. Depalma | Syracuse, NY United States | 10/30/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having been a fan of goth-type metal for years and Moonspell imparticular since "Irreligious" i find each Moonspell album becoming more distinctive and independent from the labels and trends out there. Moonspell came into their own on the "Sin/Pecado" album and continue to do so. They truly have their own sound. This album is hypnotically spooky and hauntingly atmospheric as Moonspell have always been. Once again the guitars are more up front as they were on their last effort "The Butterfly Effect" and the the keyboards give the songs that edge which transcends them to excellent pieces of music. Fernando's vocals are as powerful as ever as well, ever so dark and honest, and quite clearer than on the last cd. There is a lot of spirituality here and the title says it all. Among the darkness there lies a strong sense of hope, and it totally shines throughout the whole cd. Fans of Moonspell should love it and for non-fans it is a strong introduction for a truly magnificent group."