A walk through an enchanted forest

Dismal is an Italian music group that primarily focuses on the genre of gothic metal. It is a fusion genre of metal and gothic rock. It has its origins in the United Kingdom during the 90s. The Poe-like atmosphere and fast-paced attacks common in metal make a unique juxtaposed sound. Some of the most famous artists in the gothic metal scene are Paradise Lost, Type O Negative and Theatre of Tragedy.

Dismal started releasing music in 1998 with their debut album, Fiaba Lacrimevole – Like a Red Bleeding Rose in a Glacial Desert. It features mainly the same tropes that Dismal uses today such as the fantasy-like album cover and poetic song names. Their latest album, Via Entis, translates to “way of being” in Latin which is a fittingly dramatic name for the record.

One of the highlights of the album is the opening track “Return to the Emerald Forest.” It is a great start and sets the tone for the rest of the album as it sounds like it came straight out of a fantasy movie. The live drums and opera-like vocals create a dark and ominous atmosphere. Another highlight on the track list is the fourth song, “The Alchemist at the King’s Court.” It starts off with a bellowing voice welcoming the listener to the court. An orchestra’s array of instruments takes its place as the drums and theatric vocals dance around your ears.

Although Via Entis is a great album, there are a couple of negatives that hold it back from being perfect. The atmosphere of the album being theatric is a great concept that certainly has its place within the gothic metal genre, however, Dismal takes it to the point of bordering on garishness.

Still, Via Entis is an overall enjoyable listening experience that is accessible to new listeners of the metal genre. It presents itself in such a way that unlocks the inner child in you that wanted to travel to a medieval village and be a king for a day.