ALBUM REVIEW: Mausoleum Gate – Space, Rituals and Magick

Finnish epic heavy metallers Mausoleum Gate are back with their heavily anticipated third album. Out now via Cruz Del Sur Music. Prepare to enter a world of fantasy and embark on this cosmic quest with me…

Elegant guitars and fantastical synths begin our mystical journey into the past, future and all worlds of magical lore. The soaring melodies and fearsome drumming is enriched by classic bass lines and gorgeous organs. This combination meet the warm, narrative vocals. Blending the likes of Saracen, Ashbury, Angel Witch, and something entirely their own, Mausoleum Gate have one of those sounds that is so expansive and textured yet firmly rooted in heavy metal’s traditions. While having a lot of progressive tendencies, the most essential element of the songs is intact. What is that? That they rock! Bands like Magnum were so magnificent because they could take you to other worlds while keeping your head banging. That’s what I think strikes me as most impressive about this record. While being a joy to listen to, there is a sense of tension, even darkness, that keeps things exciting and dynamic.

The rich guitar tones on this record are so crisp, the sparkling synths and boomy drums all wrap around each other eloquently. Tying it all together are majestically varied and enchanting vocals. With such a lineup, it is easy for something to feel a bit subdued or pushed aside but everything has room to breathe so the bass can kick through without muddying the guitars. The leads and synths fly above while the rhythms handle the battle on the ground. I adore this type of mix, it’s wild and free, how heavy metal should be! Their use of psychedelic and progressive flair allows this anthemic opus to venture into realms that many newer bands daren’t even gaze upon. Sure it’s janky, but that’s part of the charm. I have said on many occasions that metal music needs to be either evil or epic – or better yet; both! Mausoleum Gate falls into that sought after yet rarely achieved third categorisation. Sure it’s not some scathing slice of extremity, but the sinister emotions are there amidst all of the sword-swinging glory.

In modern times bands like Tarot, Hällas and Gloomy Reflections to name a few have managed to create a world of their own with a similar distillation of influences. Mausoleum Gate has some strong similarities to those bands I just mentioned, but a distinctly more earthy and warm angle to their music that is so very Finnish. It’s not afraid to be a bit off-kilter or imperfect, this is a real natural gem of unusual and fascinating music. From the most glory-bound battle hymns to the melancholia that follows, the emotional and musical range on this record is sublime and always carried forth in a subtle manner that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the album from start to finish. Closing in something that drinks from the chalices of Manilla Road, Hawkwind and Black Sabbath; there is so much timeless rock and metal to be found in this tapestry of epic adventures. Whether blasting into space or ascending mountaintops, this will always remain a relevant and timeless soundtrack to adventure.

A triumphant conquest of pure heavy metal majesty. While many bands go for more tried-and-tested styles of classic heavy metal, Mausoleum Gate has a truly obscure and otherworldly feel to them that isn’t easy to compare to another band. The links to Iron Griffin don’t feel like two sides of the same coin, but two valuable bands each with their own distinctive identity. Sure this isn’t going to be a people-pleaser, it’s got a free spirit and doesn’t follow the rules. But underground soldiers of obscurity who seek something a bit more unique while remaining a bonafide heavy metal rager; you’ve found it.