Fourth Dominion hails from Rochester, New York already steeped in a rich musical heritage, cue No-Wave legend Lydia Lunch, Swing era Jazz musician Cab Calloway, Garage-Rock revivalists The Chesterfield Kings, and of particular interest to Ghost Cult regulars, Grind gods Brutal Truth. Fourth Dominion therefore appear to be in esteemed company.
Diana’s Day marks the quartet’s sophomore long-awaited release and follow-up to 2017’s well regarded Wings of a Dying Crow. According to the album’s promotional material, it features “themes not often confronted in heavy metal: disability, gender, the divine feminine, anti-futurist queer politics, and sexual assault”. Onto the music…
“Bloodstains” opens the album in a fashion that recalls The Cult’s early work (Dreamtime) and Billy Duffy’s chiming dynamic Guitarwork as well as the Horror-Punk of AFI. A bracing start to the album. “Lilim” according to Wikipedia refers to hostile night spirits that attacked men in ancient Mesopotamian religion and Jewish folklore. This is certainly reflected by the track thus alternating between pure Deathrock melancholy (see the Killed By Deathrock compilations for reference) and exquisite Type O Negative Doomy Goth Metal. “Burn the Prisons!” is quite anthemic, NWOBHM intonations coming to the fore both in terms of delivery and approach. However, it should be stressed that unlike a lot of the artists from that genre, the vocals and music here are far more subtle and tasteful in the way they are presented. “From Below” is simply wonderful and a number that fans of The Cure’s earlier work (especially Seventeen Seconds) will be able to get behind. Furthermore, the band surprises you in the latter part of the track with a furious Hardcore Punk assault with which to keep you on your toes.
“Goetia” refers to a type of European sorcery or witchcraft and once more hints at 1980’s Post-Punk/Goth-Rock (the latter before it evolved into the more “theatrical” bombast of bands such as The Mission, Sisters of Mercy, etc). In Fourth Dominion’s hands of course, it’s given a more original, contemporary twist which prevents it from simply sounding like a mere tribute to that era, quality. With a name like “Hill of Swords” this track was always going to have a predominantly Metal edge and such is the case, the twin Guitar leads of Dave Milburn and Aldi Priyanto reminiscent of Iron Maiden and Angel Witch. “Death in Fall” is Bad Religion if they ever chose to go Goth, the vocals, in particular, reminding one of Greg Graffin’s distinctive croon. Rich Melodies, sublime soloing and superb songwriting are strongly evident here.
“Tormenta Purgatoria” is Siouxsie and The Banshees classic “Playground Twist” if it contained more Folk elements resulting in what is in effect a rather brilliant ballad and “Her Wings” begins with beautiful acoustic guitar before evolving tonally in a manner similar to Megadeth’s “In My Darkest Hour”, an ever-present sense of despondency and sorrow pervading throughout. “Casca Dreaming” is a mellow, dreamy piece with nods to the jangly Indie Guitar Pop of The Smiths as well as the poetic lyrics of the late, great Rozz Williams of Christian Death, Shadow Project. A lovely way with which to conclude proceedings.
Diana’s Day is an album that will appeal to both Metalheads and Goths/deathrockers, thus giving it major crossover appeal. The band haven’t been too visible for 6 to 7 years (probably not helped by COVID) but they’ve now made a triumphant return, recommended.
Buy the album here:
https://fourthdominion.bandcamp.com/album/dianas-day
8 / 10
REZA MILLS