At some point, a band simply has to try something else in some form or another lest their sound begin to become stale and uninteresting. It can be in even the smallest ways that such a change can make for a wild difference. For some, it’s the inclusion of another band member or trying a slightly different approach. For others, something more radical and transformative must take place for the band in question to really feel as though they’re breaking new ground. After forming twenty-five years ago, it was only expected that In Mourning would eventually try something else. We’ve seen them dabble in previous efforts with their more progressive leanings, but it’s here in their seventh album that they fully take the plunge.

When dealing with a band like In Mourning, it’s important to remember where we’ve come from. For years now, this has been a band that has been massive for all intents and purposes in their own corner of death metal with their own doom and gothic leanings that have always allowed a ton of interesting flavor and vigor to pour out of virtually every performance the band has thrown down thus far. It’s only natural that after becoming certified masters of that craft that they would seek alternate avenues to explore and see what else they can do. With the nine tracks of “The Immortal”, it’s clear that In Mourning is already more than competent at their new approach with the nuance, diversity, and organic nature of the record as a whole speaking to the ingenious talent at play here. The sheer scope of this record is something to be admired. “The Immortal” is just as beautiful in its grace as it is unyielding in its intensity with In Mourning pulling from its decades of experience to ensure that these ten tracks were far from one-dimensional and can really become something to become lost within. Undeniably dynamic and able to throw down tremendous progressive passages while never sacrificing its brutality in the process, this is the kind of album that can inject all sorts of new life into a band that’s been at it for a long time.

In Mourning has never been one to doubt, and it’s with “The Immortal” that one cannot help but be overwhelmed by the excellence that’s commanded with masterful precision. If they were seeking to prove something with the crafting of “The Immortal” then I cannot but feel as though In Mourning as more than succeeded as this record makes a difficult transition seems fluid and compelling. Overflowing with light and majesty, it’s the whole of “The Immortal” that enables In Mourning to have a future not many of us could have seen coming.

“The Immortal” releases on August 24th!

LISTEN to advanced tracks from “The Immortal” on Bandcamp here.

LIKE In Mourning on Facebook here.

FOLLOW In Mourning on Instagram here.