After having stirred the Doomed community's silent waters with 2003's well-received 'Shroud of Bereavement' demo, Daniel Robinson's brand of Neo-Classical Death/Doom again emerges from the depths with 2005's '...Of Ages', a compilation of unreleased material spanning the band's infancy in 1996 to its sprawling adolescence in 2011. Although not a new album in the traditionally defined sense, '...Of Ages' serves as a splendid retrospective, and the band's roots are showcased here in raw, unpolished glory.
The songwriting present in this opus highlights Robinson's keen sense of epicness and dedication to compositional variation. From the orchestral textures that serve as a flowery bed for the competent guitars, to the angelic female vocals that seductively weave melodies gently around softer acoustic passages, this work certainly forms Shroud of Bereavement's mission statement: the expression of tragedy through the creation of beauty. Robinson's gutteral vocals are pained and viscious, and give the songs both a

Shroud of Bereavement - The Absolution of Sorrow

After having stirred the Doomed community's silent waters with 2003's well-received 'Shroud of Bereavement' demo, Daniel Robinson's brand of Neo-Classical Death/Doom again emerges from the depths with 2005's '...Of Ages', a compilation of unreleased material spanning the band's infancy in 1996 to its sprawling adolescence in 2000. Although not a new album in the traditionally defined sense, '...Of Ages' serves as a splendid retrospective, and the band's roots are showcased here in raw, unpolished glory.

The songwriting present in this opus highlights Robinson's keen sense of epicness and dedication to compositional variation. From the orchestral textures that serve as a flowery bed for the competent guitars, to the angelic female vocals that seductively weave melodies gently around softer acoustic passages, this work certainly forms Shroud of Bereavement's mission statement: the expression of tragedy through the creation of beauty. Robinson's gutteral vocals are pained and viscious, and give the songs both a sense of hopelessness and yearning. The two intertwined imbue the album with a degree of potence that most will instantly consider classic.

This album was transferred via cassette, and Robinson's liner notes implore the listener to forgive the absence of production. Although lacking somewhat in clarity, the production actually serves '...Of Ages' quite well, shrouding(no pun intended) the album in a quaint form of esoteric mystery and charm. Great songs transcend production, and this is certainly the case here.

Shroud of Bereavement have evolved from Daniel Robinson's solo project to a full-fledged band since the material present on this album was created. Thankfully, the band chose to look into their past and give us this jewel. As with most precious stones, this will only increase in value and relevance over time, and should be included in the collection of discerning Doomsters everywhere.

Shroud of Bereavement - Willowsoul (Original Version)

After having stirred the Doomed community's silent waters with 2003's well-received 'Shroud of Bereavement' demo, Daniel Robinson's brand of Neo-Classical Death/Doom again emerges from the depths with 2005's '...Of Ages', a compilation of unreleased material spanning the band's infancy in 1996 to its sprawling adolescence in 2000. Although not a new album in the traditionally defined sense, '...Of Ages' serves as a splendid retrospective, and the band's roots are showcased here in raw, unpolished glory.
Songwriting present in this opus highlights Robinson's keen sense of epicness and dedication to compositional variation. From the orchestral textures that serve as a flowery bed for the competent guitars, to the angelic female vocals that seductively weave melodies gently around softer acoustic passages, this work certainly forms Shroud of Bereavement's mission statement: the expression of tragedy through the creation of beauty. Robinson's gutteral vocals are pained and viscious, and give the songs both a sense of hopelessness and yearning. The two intertwined imbue the album with a degree of potence that most will instantly consider classic.

This album was transferred via cassette, and Robinson's liner notes implore the listener to forgive the absence of production. Although lacking somewhat in clarity, the production actually serves '...Of Ages' quite well, shrouding(no pun intended) the album in a quaint form of esoteric mystery and charm. Great songs transcend production, and this is certainly the case here.

Shroud of Bereavement have evolved from Daniel Robinson's solo project to a full-fledged band since the material present on this album was created. Thankfully, the band chose to look into their past and give us this jewel. As with most precious stones, this will only increase in value and relevance over time, and should be included in the collection of discerning Doomsters everywhere.

Shroud of Bereavement - The Fools Lament

Solid mixture between atmospheric doom and more up-tempo Death/Doom. The band features both male grunts and female clean vocals. Musically, the band can go from slow atmospheric passages with classical instruments (e.g. piano, violin; this seems likely to be why the band, rightfully, claims to have neo-classical elements) to mid-tempo death-metal'ish music. With the slower passages, the band manages very well to create a brooding and mystical atmosphere. A solid band for all those interested in romantic Death/Doom with a slightly harder edge, and a band who doesn't take too much of their sound from the Peaceville Three path.

Aly Alexandra Padure

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