The DevilsHorns

It has been 5 years since Madder Mortem released their last album. Sadly, Agnete (vocals) and BP (guitar/vocals) lost the biggest supporter of their band, their father, and so it will be with a hint of pride that the siblings see their fathers art decorating the cover of the album. A piece of their dad will forever be part of the band.

Old Eyes, New Heart is my first encounter of Madder Mortem and, although ultimately rewarding, it is occasionally a challenging listen. Throughout the 10 tracks on offer, we are hit with jagged guitars, often seeming like BP is playing what he wants, not matter what is occurring in the background. We are also hit with incredibly soaring vocals with the rest of the album being underpinned by a resilient and often unheralded rhythm section.

filling in underneath dreamy vocals and occasional jazz-like drumming. It really is quite spectacular.

Indeed, I don’t recall hearing an album that sounds like this in recent memory, and perhaps that is what peaks the interest. Old Eyes, New Heart is an album unlike anything you will hear this year. It is immensely interesting – you just cannot anticipate where the track is going next. One minute, you are hit with an Alannah Myles ‘Black Velvet’ opening riff in the 2^nd track, ‘On Guard’, with its consistent bass. It almost veers off into dull territory before one of the off-kilter moments brings it into focus…my notes actually say, ‘ooft, NOT DULL’.

This is the beauty of Madder Mortem. Every one of the 10 tracks has something different, something that allows the album to stretch its legs under the dining room table. Tracks have urgent riffs, others have frantic drumming, a few have superb background grunting vocals and gorgeous harmonies, and sometimes each aspect meld into magnificence.

Alas, there are also a few aspects of Old Eyes, New Heart where innovation cannot override the lack of urgency shown in a few tracks. Whilst they are never boring, the lack of pace, even though not a constant in the song, does slow the album down.

The good news is that this album ultimately rewards the listener. It is not perfect, and if you are wanting to challenge yourself to discover a new sound and, like me, a new band then Madder Mortem is the way forward.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzf7cvrk3jU

Band Website: https://www.maddermortem.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Madder-Mortem-10035071567

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maddermortemofficial

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/MadderMOfficial

Bandcamp: https://www.maddermortem.bandcamp.com/