The aftermath of losing someone – review of “The Bereaved” by Marianas Rest

I’ve written this lots of times now, but I know for a fact that the Finns do it better, at least when it comes to heavy metal (and cinnamon rolls). Last November I had the privilege of reporting at John Smith Rock Frozen festival, and I had the pleasure of seeing live for the first time Marianas Rest. I was pretty mesmerized by their show, so it’s only fair that I am the one that writes the review of their upcoming album, “The Bereaved”.

While their show I saw was an acoustic set and the album instead is a mighty infusion of metal, it doesn’t make a difference. The talent and the dedication that these gentlemen have knows no bounds. The production is pristine, the mastering is clear, and the mixing gives quite enough space for almost all instruments.

Marianas Rest have their own personal take on melodic death metal, which incorporates also some melancholic and traditional elements. Some of my personal favorite tracks are “Divided“, “Diamonds in the Rough“, and “The Colour of You“, as they truly show the best of the band.

“The Bereaved” poses a very important, yet difficoult argument. Who suffers more, the dead or the ones that are left behind? And while this topic is extremely hard to tackle, Marianas Rest do not offer a solution, at least not a simple one. Their job is to describe all the sceneries, and we’re all left to think about our answers during the listening session.

This is an album that doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable truth that sometimes the living envy the dead, that grief is messy and complicated and never quite resolves the way we hope it will. It’s a journey into melancholy that feels both familiar and necessary. So if you’re looking for a breakthrough, or some company along the way, “The Bereaved” will be just right for you.

Tracklist:

1. Thank You for the Dance
2. Rat in the Wall
3. Divided
4. Again into the Night
5. Burden
6. Diamonds in the Rough
7. Pity the Living
8. Goodbyes and Good Intentions
9. Tyhjä
10. The Colour of You