Pegah
Pain and suffering are always inevitable for a large intelligence and a deep heart. The really great men must, I think, have great sadness on Earth.
Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment
After years of silence, the French melodic Death/Doom band Inborn Suffering returns with its third album, Pale Grey Monochrome. According to the band, the band never imagined they would be able to release another album, yet it has finally happened. We have the opportunity to witness its return as it shares an experience shaped by hardship and struggle. The album title, along with its cover art dominated by shades of grey, conveys a sense of sophistication and darkness. The word Pale suggests an absence—perhaps of hope, warmth, or salvation. The cover presents a harrowing scene: a pile of dead bodies, heaped in an inhuman manner. At the top, a pillar of light pierces the darkness, yet instead of offering hope, it paradoxically reveals a hand wielding a spear, inflicting a deep wound. It symbolizes the idea that even in light, there is no salvation.
The album opens with “Wounding”, an instrumental piece that immediately connects to the cover imagery. It evokes a haunting atmosphere, warning the listener of the bleak journey ahead. The next track, “From the Lowering Tides”, which was released as a single in 2023, is deeply melodic with a nihilistic theme. The spoken-word narratives add to the atmosphere, while the tortured screams intensify the sense of pain and suffering. The title track, “Pale Grey Monochrome”, takes the album deeper into Funeral Doom territory with heavy, sorrowful guitar tones. The clean vocals, imbued with melancholy, gradually transform into agonized screams, as if mourning the helpless souls trapped in an illusion of salvation. This track feels like a requiem for those who still cling to faith—whether in change, a savior, or a better future. Toward the end, it becomes more melodic, blending clean vocals and spoken passages, creating a haunting yet beautiful conclusion.
“Tales from an Empty Shell”, my personal favorite, is the longest track and shares a similar atmosphere with “From the Lowering Tides”. The empty shell serves as a metaphor for someone who was once full of thought and meaning but has been hollowed out by inner struggles and lost consciousness. However, as time passes, in the light of hope, the empty shell gradually regains its essence. Even within the track’s dark soundscapes, a glimmer of hope emerges, suggesting that even in emptiness, there is something to be said. Perhaps when we find ourselves unable to express our emotions, the empty shell speaks on our behalf, voicing what remains unspoken. “Of Loss and Despair” features a backdrop of acoustic guitar that shifts the album’s atmosphere. Instead of singing, an oration—sounding as if broadcast from an old radio—delivers a message that feels both promising and motivating. This track, much like the light on the album cover, suggests a paradoxical sense of guidance, leaving us with a lingering feeling of both sorrow and resilience. The album continues with “The Oak”, which was released as a single in 2024. Featuring guest vocalist Frédéric Simon, this track stands out with its haunting soundscape that evokes fear and anxiety, mirroring the themes of the album’s cover art. The nihilistic essence of the lyrics deepens the emotional impact, while Simon’s contribution makes the track even more impressive. Finally, “Drawing Circle” explores the existential search for meaning in life. The motif of the circle, symbolizing infinity and the absence of a beginning or end, takes center stage. The track’s soundscape slows down, becoming increasingly melodic yet deeply melancholic. Through its narrative, it portrays the relentless and ultimately futile pursuit of meaning, dissolving into nothingness.
Overall, with Pale Grey Monochrome, Inborn Suffering not only returns but also delivers a deeply emotional and thought-provoking work. It’s an album that explores suffering, despair, and fleeting glimpses of hope. Despite its lengthy tracks—an expected trait in doom metal—Pale Grey Monochrome maintains a dynamic and evolving atmosphere throughout, preventing monotony. Each song offers a distinct soundscape and emotional depth, ensuring an engaging listening experience. From my first listen, I was both captivated and surprised, and each replay has only deepened my appreciation. Fans of Doom:vs and Shape of Despair will undoubtedly find this album immensely satisfying.
Label: Ardua Music
Release date: February 7, 2025
Website: https://inbornsuffering.bandcamp.com/
Country: France
Score: A new born 4.0/5.0
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