Band:	The Foreshadowing
Album:	New Wave Order
Style:	Doom metal, Gothic metal
Release date:	November 15, 2024
A review by:	AndyMetalFreak

01. Vox Populi
02. Judas Had A Friend
03. Last December
04. Lobbies
05. Our Nightmares Call
06. Heraclitus
07. Bound For Ruin
08. Eyes Of A Dawn
09. Vox Dei

The gothic doom masters The Foreshadowing return after a lengthy absence with a record that's just as strong as where they left off.

The Foreshadowing are one of the biggest names in Italian gothic doom. In the same bracket as legendary pioneering acts such as My Dying Bride, Katatonia, and Paradise Lost, they represent the genre in its truest and purest form. Despite their formation taking place back in 1999, it wasn't until 8 years later that they would release their full-length debut, Days Of Nothing. However, the lengthy wait was more than worth it, as the record had an immediate effect on the band, placing them on a high pedestal in the scene. The band continued an impressive run of form by releasing a further three highly acclaimed records. However, this was followed by a 7-year forced absence broken only in 2023 by the impressive EP Forsaken Songs. After proving their absence did not affect their standards in any way, the band return a year later to present their much anticipated fifth full-length release, New Wave Order.

The band returns with an unchanged line-up consisting of original trio Marco Benevento (vocals), Alessandro Pace (guitar), and Francesco Sosto (keyboards), along with drummer Giuseppe Orlando. The foursome present a 50-minute, emotionally charged cinematic journey that offers some of the best gothic metal of 2024. "Vox Populi" sets things off with a nostalgic throwback to the classic 90s gothic era, with enchanting, twinkling keys surrounded by striking melodic guitarwork and seductive harrowing soulful vocals, with a rhythm section that instantly has you hooked with its groove. Additionally, sweeping melancholic leads and heavy doom passages re-live moments of Katatonia and early My Dying Bride. If you've been a fan of The Foreshadowing beforehand, then you can't go wrong with what New Wave Order offers here.

The album doesn't disappoint following the solid opening song; the main thing that strikes me is just how catchy the songwriting is. Tracks such as "Our Nightmares Call" and "Bound For Ruin" are particularly upbeat and groovy, containing some infectious keyboard melodies, mesmerizing guitar work, and catchy choruses that are likely to stick in your head for some time. On the other hand, there's times throughout the album when heavy doom sections and tear-jerking symphonies creep into play. This approach causes havoc with your emotions; one second, your mind is uplifted and energized, next you are in a sorrowful state.

Now, let's not forget another important factor that pulls on one's emotional heartstrings: the vocal performance. Tracks such as "Eyes Of A Dawn" and "Heraclitus" are particular album highlights due to the exceptional vocals performed by Benevento. His emotionally raw and passionate singing really cuts deep into your soul, especially during the majestic, haunting chorus of "Heraclitus", which still rings in my head long after the album is over. "Vox Dei" is a more-than-ideal closer, reflecting on everything you've experienced emotionally so far in just under 9 minutes. Its hypnotizing, mid-tempo, repetitive build-up and tear-jerking symphonies remind me somewhat of early My Dying Bride, especially during the final few minutes, which is a haunting ambient passage that gently eases the album to a smooth, mournful finish.

Gothic doom may have exploded onto the scene during the early 90s, but the genre is still well and truly thriving, with bands such as The Foreshadowing, who, despite their absence, are still well on top of their game. New Wave Order doesn't signal a new wave in the genre, but rather a continuation that's been successfully putting listeners' emotions through their paces over the last 3 decades.