While it’s a term that tends to be thrown around quite a bit, it’s not terribly often that we’re presented with material that actually qualifies as gothic and have it be something of quality in some form or another. As such, when a piece does actually come around that manages to hit the mark right on the head, it tends to be something that can really hold the attention of the listener and bring forth layers of depth that just cannot be matched elsewhere. Having made their potential more than clear with their debut album, Remina shows us yet again what can be done with the concept.

Given what they had accomplished with their first piece of material just two years ago, it’s a wonder to me that the name of Remina has not become more widespread, and I find that to be a damn shame. It was gothic doom that was eloquent, fluid, entrancing, and downright captivating for all that they brought to the table with the very fact that it was their debut something that should’ve fascinated any and all who came before. With their latest EP, “Erebus”, Remina continues down the path they carved out two years ago with all the progression and sonic evolution that we could ask for from such an insanely promising act especially given the pedigree of those involved in the act. “Erebus” is but three tracks, yet it has more soul and yearning that what far many others in this vein often bring forward. Brimming with soul and suffering the likes of which only the finest weavers of doom metal can hope to deliver in such an overwhelming capacity as what we see here, Remina is constantly and consistently showing us not just what’s possible with the sound but also how it can all be done in such a form that is intoxicating to behold. Packed with more than enough darkness and light to make for a densely layered and contrasting listen that has an ebb and flow the likes of which gothic doom feels all but made for, “Erebus” is a brief stop for Remina as they craft their soon-to-arrive second album, but don’t let that take away so much as an iota of weight from what’s been thrown down here.

What could have been little more than a collection of B-sides as Remina puts the finishing touches on their forthcoming album, splendor feels like nothing short of an inevitability with all that “Erebus” is. One cannot help but become excited given the promise of a forthcoming full-length from Remina, but it demands to be made clear that “Erebus” is nothing to skip over. A masterclass definition of what it means to bring forth gothic doom with real weight and emotion, this is an EP destined for greatness and adoration by any true fan of the style.

LISTEN to “Erebus” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE Remina on Facebook here.