IRRELIGIOUS

Irreligious is the second full-length studio album by Portuguese goth/ doom metal act Moonspell. The album was produced by Waldemar Sorychta and released through Century Media Records in 1996.

While there are still hints of Moonspell´s black metal past on Irreligious the music on the album is largely a departure from that sound. The goth rock/ metal elements that were already present on the debut album Wolfheart (1995) are much more pronounced on this album. The closest musical reference is probably goth/ doom metal act Paradise Lost ( from One Second (1997) onward) but Moonspell definitely have their own sound. Goth rock bands from the eighties like Sisters of Mercy and The Mission also comes to mind more than one time during the 42:39 minute long playing time.

The vocals are deep and occasionally semi growling with an obvious accent which in this case actually gives the music an exotic twist. It could have been a problem but isn´t. There are lots of keyboards in the music and they work to create a dark atmosphere. The guitar, bass and drums are good but nothing special IMO. They work well to create a whole though. But this is not the kind of music where you should go to seek technical musical challenges. There are plenty of dark goth atmosphere here so if that´s to your taste this album will certainly deliver.

The production is warm and professional.

Irreligious is the logical successor to Wolfheart IMO. A more mature and coherent album than its predecessor. 3 stars is deserved.