(Our Norway-based writer Chile prepared the following eloquent review of a new album by the Romanian band In Ruins, which was released in March by Meuse Music Records.)

What is it which really matters in our lives when we spend our whole existence staring right at death’s hollow face? Coming ever closer to its unjudging oblivion with each passing day, always taking us unexpectedly under its dark wings, death has been a fascination for the duration of all human civilization. 

It is certainly a wonder that all aspects of our lives are so influenced by the only thing which lies outside of our living experience, and of which we know nothing. As the old saying goes, if there is us, there is no death, and if there is death, there is no us.

As the questions of death have been on the minds of philosophers, writers, and artists throughout history, it is not surprising that the concept of ending themes has found its strong foothold in music also, and since we are here, metal music particularly.

Now, it is not necessary to go into details of how metal embraces the ideas and the mystery of death, we have all heard our share of varying viewpoints through various genres (death metal, anyone?). So, we turn our spotlight to a singular example, and by involving literature in this equation, some bands do pique our interest on the very first listen. Continue reading »