Procession – An Eerie Symphony Blending Melodic Doom and Progressive Metal Prowess

Emerging from the cauldron of early 90s extreme metal, “Procession” by the German band My Dying Bride stands as a testament to the genre’s capacity for profound emotional weight. Released on their groundbreaking second album, “As The Flower Withers” (1992), this seven-minute epic journey through sorrow and melancholic grandeur solidified the band’s place at the forefront of doom metal, while showcasing elements that would foreshadow the rise of progressive death metal in years to come.

A Tapestry of Melancholy:

“Procession” begins with an eerie acoustic guitar arpeggio, its mournful melody weaving a spell of impending darkness. Soon, Aaron Stainthorpe’s distinctive baritone vocals join the fray, his voice resonating with a depth of despair rarely heard in metal music. The lyrics, steeped in Gothic imagery and themes of loss and longing, paint a vivid picture of desolation and spiritual yearning.

The song gradually builds in intensity as the drums enter, their measured pace driving forward the emotional momentum. Guitarist Andrew Craighan delivers a masterful performance, weaving intricate melodies that shift seamlessly between ethereal beauty and crushing heaviness. His solos, though restrained, are filled with raw emotion and technical prowess, demonstrating the band’s commitment to musicality within their doom-laden framework.

The My Dying Bride Legacy:

My Dying Bride emerged from Leeds, England in 1990, a product of the burgeoning extreme metal scene that was sweeping across Europe. They quickly gained notoriety for their unique blend of death metal aggression with the melancholic grandeur of gothic rock and classical influences. “Procession” perfectly encapsulates this distinctive sound, blending crushing riffs with soaring melodies and Stainthorpe’s haunting vocals.

The band’s early albums, “As The Flower Withers” (1992) and “Turn Loose the Swans” (1993), established them as pioneers of doom metal, paving the way for countless bands who followed in their footsteps. My Dying Bride continues to record and tour today, releasing critically acclaimed albums well into the 21st century, proving their enduring influence on the heavy metal landscape.

A Deeper Dive into “Procession”: Musical Elements

Beyond “Procession”: My Dying Bride’s Evolving Sound:

While “Procession” showcases My Dying Bride’s signature doom metal sound, their discography reveals a band constantly pushing musical boundaries. Albums like “Like moths to flames” (1998) and “The Angel and the Minotaur” (2005) incorporate elements of progressive rock and even folk music, showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to experiment.

Despite these shifts in style, My Dying Bride has always maintained a core identity: an unwavering commitment to melancholic beauty and emotional depth. Their music resonates with listeners on a profound level, inviting introspection and contemplation. “Procession”, therefore, remains a cornerstone of their sound, a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire heavy metal fans worldwide.