A Journey Through Time and Sound: Harvest's 'For the Souls We Have Lost'
In the realm of contemporary metal, nostalgia often takes center stage, and the metalheads are keenly aware of its origins. The term 'nostalgia' itself, a blend of ancient Greek and Latin, hints at a longing for the past. When applied to music, it evokes a sense of homesickness for the gothic doom metal of the 1990s. For those seeking a musical haven, the Italian band Harvest introduces its debut album, 'For the Souls We Have Lost', a tribute to the likes of My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, and Katatonia. But is this album a nostalgic journey worth embarking on?
The album's success lies in its ability to capture the essence of its influences. At its core, Harvest presents barebones Sabbathian riffs, reminiscent of My Dying Bride's revival of Sabbath on 'The Angel and the Dark River'. Vocally, Emanuele's range mirrors Aaron Stainthorpe's, blending clean and extreme registers seamlessly. The interplay between Emanuele and guitarist Fabio Torresan is a simple yet effective symphony, weaving gothy croons, Iommian phrases, and macabre growls, particularly on the haunting track 'Floating Leaves'.
However, the album's production style, reminiscent of the 90s, introduces a challenge. Matteo Gandolfi's addition of keyboards enhances the atmosphere with synthetic strings, choirs, and horns, but it also risks overwhelming the listener. This is especially evident on the closer 'The Path of Life', where the production's openness may not suit all tastes. Despite this, Harvest's debut transports listeners to a 1997 graveyard poetry reading, with the soundtrack provided by Paradise Lost's Gothic and Katatonia's 'Brave Murder Day'.
The album's songwriting, while effective, could benefit from more variation. The main riffs in 'Hunter of Souls' and 'Shining Moon' are straightforward, and the inclusion of clean or acoustic guitar breaks in the middle of most songs becomes a predictable pattern. This dryness in non-distorted guitar tones, as heard in the opener 'Born Alone', can be a missed opportunity for character. The song's two-chord progression, played by a clean guitar, lacks the impact it could have had.
Vocally, Emanuele's strengths and weaknesses become apparent. His mid-range croon delivers memorable hooks, as heard in 'Floating Leaves' and 'Hunter of Souls'. Yet, in other instances, the vocals don't quite hit the mark. The verse in 'In Shape of Beast' features melodic jumps that, while catchy, don't seamlessly blend with the supporting music. Similarly, the a cappella vocals in 'Shining Moon' waver instead of commanding attention. The inconsistency in vocal delivery across the album is a notable point of contention.
In conclusion, 'For the Souls We Have Lost' is a solid offering for fans of 90s gothic doom. Its reasonable runtime of 37 minutes provides comfort, particularly on tracks like 'Floating Leaves' and 'The Path of Life'. However, for those who view the subgenre as more of an esoteric neighbor's Victorian house, the album may fall short. The retro production, while charming, may not be universally appealing, and the inconsistencies could hinder full immersion. Despite this, Harvest has successfully captured the essence of their influences, and the hope is that their follow-up will build upon these strengths to create a unique identity.
Rating: 2.5/5.0
DR: 11 | Format Reviewed: V0 mp3
Label: Octopus Rising Records (sub-label of Argonauta Records)
Website: harvest-doom.bandcamp.com, facebook.com/harvestdoom
Release Date: September 26th, 2025
