Review MOONSPELL “Far From God”

Far From God is the title of Moonspell‘s fourteenth studio album. Five years after the release of Hermitage, the Portuguese gothic metal pioneers return with a new collection of songs that continues their journey through the darker corners of heavy music.

The new album remains firmly rooted in the band’s trademark sound while leaning toward an even heavier and more ominous atmosphere. A perfect example is “Our Freedom to Fall.” Built on a slow, crushing rhythm and massive riffs, the track unfolds like a sonic steamroller. Fernando Ribeiro’s unmistakable voice once again takes center stage, delivering a mesmerizing performance that has long been one of Moonspell’s defining characteristics.

The album’s lead single and title track begins with an eerie introduction before exploding into a wall of gothic-infused metal. “Far From God” also incorporates subtle new wave influences, adding another layer to the band’s already sonic range. Wrapped in an atmosphere of dark romance, the song tells a tragic tale of vampiric love and stands as one of the album’s most memorable moments.

The title track is preceded by the opener, “Cross Your Heart,” which immediately establishes the record’s melancholic mood. Driven by a melodic motif, the song feels almost cinematic, like the soundtrack to a road movie exploring life’s journey while reflecting on the band’s own musical past.

“Biblical” opens with Aires Pereira’s pulsating bass line before evolving into one of the album’s more restrained tracks. Fueled by melancholy, the verses briefly evoke the hypnotic feel of Tool before giving way to a soaring and emotionally charged chorus.

The cinematic “The Great Wolf in the Sky” marks another highlight. Alicia Nuhro’s string arrangements add an elegant touch, enhancing the song’s mystical atmosphere. By this point, however, one aspect of Far From God becomes increasingly apparent. Moonspell remain committed to a very consistent formula throughout the album. The gothic atmosphere, haunting melodies, and melancholic mood provide a strong sense of cohesion, but they also make many of the songs feel stylistically similar. The whispered vocal passages on “Your Promise of Light” reinforce this aesthetic before “For the Love of Mortals” injects a welcome dose of renewed energy.

The album closes on a high note with a six-minute finale that combines thunderous guitars, a pounding rhythm section, and an unmistakably sinister atmosphere. It is a powerful ending that leaves a lasting impression and serves as an appropriate conclusion to the record.

Moonspell have consistently delivered music of exceptional quality throughout their career, and Far From God certainly fits within that tradition. At the same time, the album flows almost like a single continuous stream, with relatively few standout peaks along the way. Its haunting melodies, wistful atmosphere, and gothic elegance remain captivating, but the songs rarely venture beyond the band’s established formula.

Far From God is undoubtedly a solid and enjoyable album, yet considering Moonspell’s remarkable legacy and creative potential, it feels as though there was room for a few more surprises.