For many years now, I have been following Moonspell’s career with interest, a journey that, as is natural, has had its big ups and small downs. It is also true that their most recent albums were quite extreme, something that had somewhat put me off. That is why this new Moonspell album, “Far From God”, came to me like a bolt from the blue, as it is not extreme at all; on the contrary, it moves within the framework of melodic gothic metal, being very accessible even to more sensitive ears. Death metal and black metal elements are significantly reduced, Fernando Ribeiro’s vocals are mostly clean, and the melodies are catchy and sweet. The accessible final result is worthy of the Moonspell name, as here they offer us fantastic moments. “Far From God” is full of inspiration and rewards those who give it a chance. Perhaps many will consider this accessibility to be purely a commercial move—but we should not focus on labels and categories, but only on what truly matters: that “Far From God” is an excellent metal album, bearing the Moonspell signature, beyond its multitude of influences (Paradise Lost and countless gothic/dark wave bands). Finally, a nostalgic gothic metal release that recalls the genre’s golden era, when everything was innocent and beautiful! The Portuguese pioneers deliver a flawless, majestic, masterfully crafted work that all metalheads should enjoy, no matter what!
♦ 8,5/10
Dimitris Zacharopoulos
