RISE TO THE SKY - Liebestod (Track Premiere)

In the experience of this dutifully somber scribe, somberness alone does not quality death doom make. While the genre in question clearly relies on emotional heft, staying power is all too oft nonexistent when the sheer weight of sadness is all a track has going for it. But in the case of Rise to the Sky, one-man atmospheric death doom outfit from Santiago, Chile, emotionally one-dimensional songwriting and a lack of lasting impact are most certainly not of concern.

Case in point: ​"Liebestod." This lead single from the (excellent) forthcoming Let Me Drown With You delivers the depressed and downtrodden air one might expect alongside a funereal aura...but also carries itself with a subtly triumphant air. It's a killer track, and before I scare you away with more talk, please do yourself a favor and check it out below. As always, we'll see you on the other side.

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I typically reserve notes on production for reviews rather than premieres, but here, it's just too damn good to not mention. The tone is warm, the drums are poignant despite being programmed, and the vocals fit comfortably in the midst of the mix. Beyond that, the general lushness on display is simply stellar. "Liebestod" employs a symphonic flair that frankly sets it in a category of its own. The melodic leanings are a central part of the sound itself, which means that the crushing vocals hit that much harder when they eventually enter the fray.

It's a track that thrives in its own vibrantly epic aura, utterly willing to smack the listener with a melancholy that illustrates the hopeful light at the end of the dark tunnel. Maybe I'm reading too far into the track from an emotional standpoint, but the fact remains that the impact of "Liebestod" is long-lasting. This is a truly thoughtful, intense, and immersive track, and if that isn't an accomplishment in the atmospheric death doom arena, I don't know what is.

Says Rise to the Sky is regards to Let Me Drown With You ​as a whole: “This album is released in loving memory of my father, who passed away suddenly on Jan 6, 2021. He was passionate about the people he loved and about everything he did, this music is a clear reflection of our way of life.By far this is the most sincere and expressive album by Rise to the Sky, it displays a more developed and mature sound than the previous releases, so expect strong emotions.”

Rise to the Sky - Let Me Drown With You ​will be released March 12th, 2021 from Russian doom label GS Productions. In the meantime, give "Liebestod" another listen above, and check out that pre-order here.

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Rise to the Sky can be found:
Website
Bandcamp