THE VAULTED SHADOWS

I think essential ratings should be used very sparingly. For extreme metal releases however, it doesn't get much better than this. MY DYING BRIDE is one of the greatest metal bands in the world, and not as well known as they should be. The Vaulted Shadows compiles the band's most recent extended plays into a full album-length release.

For word nerds like me btw, the term "barghest" comes from northern England and means a large dog-like monster. "The Barghest O'Whitby" does run pretty long for new MDB listeners, but it's one of their "proggiest" works. Sitting through the whole 54 minutes might be tough, but it's really a minor complaint. The Vaulted Shadows demonstrates what the band does brilliantly. Any one with an interest in innovative extreme metal should really enjoy this.