Last Rites - The Many Forms

Last Rites followed Guided by Light with the release of a limited-edition EP, My World Alight, in 2004, and a final full-length studio album, The Many Forms, in 2005. The Many Forms brilliantly confirms the inaugural intentions of their first Opus, but it’s tighter, creating a darker and oppressive atmosphere, and also tighter in terms of their style. Somewhere between Electro and Metal, Last Rites create a modern sound; a hypnotic, cold and heavy groove which works all the way through this second studio album. It is also marked by the heavy support of industrial, rhythmic guitars (Rageing Tide), and the voice of Alexander Wright, whose thick, grand vocals are reminiscent of Johan Edlund of Tiamat (The Many Forms, Body in Decline). Some aspects of the percussion have a more ‘World’ musical style which is felt here and there (e.g. the instrumental transition Regression) but essentially, Last Rites seeks to give the ethereal and gloomy atmosphere a tangible lightness (Guilt Sublime, raw emotion meets cyber) which could be likened to the former hypnotic rapid chords of Fields Of The Nephilim which came out of nowhere. The guitars express an envious daring / fearlessness which does not weaken (e.g. the single, My World Alight), but which finds in the heart of these new musical architectures a corresponding ‘electro’ answer

Of all the Fields of the Nephilim side projects and bands, Last Rights are musically the 'least obvious'; and The Many Forms proves to be a thoroughly enjoyable listen, and although some may think it lacks that 'in your face' attack, I personally enjoyed the more subdued nature of the music. The Many Forms has plenty of deliciously subtle and dark undertones and an impressive bass line which growls at the listener throughout and so fans of Goth self-raising flower rock will feel at home instantly. Over the years it’s probably fair to say this hasn't been given the credit it deserves, however it sits proudly besides my FOTN collection.

Ripped from the CD to MP3 @ 320

1.       The Chalice

2.       Rageing Tide

3.       Regression

4.       Guilt Sublime

5.       The Many Forms

6.       Body In Decline

7.       My World Alight

8.       Our Alibi

9.       Moment Calls

10.   The Turning

11.   See The Wild

12.   And All It's Thorns

AANNNNNDDDD My World Alight EP also ripped from the CD to MP3 @ 320

1.       My World Alight

2.       Full Circle

3.       Become Immune

4.       Swallow The Soul