“Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium” was the band's first release as a 5-piece, following the introduction of bassist Adrian Jackson. The title track was originally recorded for the band's first demo, "Towards the Sinister". This version can be found on the compilation album "Meisterwerk 1". "God Is Alone" was originally recorded as a single that also includes "De Sade Soliloquay". These versions have not been re-released since their original appearance.
Overview:
As we discussed earlier in parts 1 & 2 of this retrospective, we had already heard a little taste of My Dying Bride’s greatness with their demo, "Towards The Sinister" (1990), and how their fast selling single "God Is Alone" on Listenable had quickly garnered the band the attention of Peaceville Records, resulting in a relationship that lasted until the bands final full-length release, “Feel the Misery” (2015) before signing with Nuclear Blast (although the label has released two compilations and one live album since the bands departure).
Now we are going to dive into the very long Peaceville era, with the release that started it all. On March 16, 1992, the world was blessed (or cursed) with the very first official release under the bands (then) new label. It’s title was "Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium".
The EP is highly regarded in the realm of Doom-Death Metal, and its sound would catapult My Dying Bride to the forefront as pioneers of the genre, alongside label-mates Anathema and Paradise Lost. The EP’s title track is one of the most beloved songs by MDB fans and critics alike. "Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium" paints a profound illustration of the band's concept. It’s sound would become a template of the then burgeoning Doom-Death Metal scene. The ebb and flow of the song creates a juxtaposition, adding great intensity with its combination of dirge-like Doom riffs and sudden streams of pulverizing Death Metal. In a shocking turn of events, MDB also utilized a violin, an instrument that was atypical of Extreme Metal at the time of the EP’s release. The integration of this instrument automatically produces a more uncanny, ominous tonal quality. Intermingled with the bands modest use of keyboards, this wicked strain sounds even more frightening. Add Aaron Stainthorpe’s treacherous vocals to that mix, and you have a concept so sinister that it will leave even the devil himself trembling with fear.
Let’s not forget the pure, unadulterated savagery of "God Is Alone" or the omnipotent and influential "De Sade Soliloquy" in all its resplendent glory, both of which were re-recorded for this release.
In conclusion; "Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium" is both, astonishing and extraordinary. Its idiomatic expressions and preternatural ambience created a benchmark that many have endeavored to attain thereafter. — E.N. Wells
Special Note:
“Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium” was also released as part of the limited box-set, "The Stories", alongside the band's other singles, "The Thrash of Naked Limbs" and "I Am the Bloody Earth". All three were released on one disc on the compilation "Trinity" in 1995.
The song's video, available on "For Darkest Eyes" features bizarre imagery and slow-motion footage of the band members walking through the wilderness. The video version of the song is the edited version that appears as "Act 1" on the vinyl release of the EP. "Act 2" is the section of the songs which begins at 5:15 in the full-length version. Live versions of the title track are available on "The Voice of the Wretched" and in the bonus features of the DVD version of "For Darkest Eyes".
The song's video, available on "For Darkest Eyes" features bizarre imagery and slow-motion footage of the band members walking through the wilderness. The video version of the song is the edited version that appears as "Act 1" on the vinyl release of the EP. "Act 2" is the section of the songs which begins at 5:15 in the full-length version.
Live versions of the title track are available on "The Voice of the Wretched" and in the bonus features of the DVD version of "For Darkest Eyes".
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