As the Flower Withers
My Dying Bride · 1992
49 min · 7 tracks · doom metal
Heavy, melancholic riffs intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an immersive soundscape that defines the death-doom genre.
Top tracks — play these first
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Sear Me — This track exemplifies My Dying Bride's unique fusion of despair-laden lyrics and heavy instrumentation, making it a standout representation of their sound. Its expansive length allows for a profound exploration of themes like loss and longing.
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The Bitterness and the Bereavement — With its slow, crushing riffs and poignant lyrical content, this track captures the essence of the band's somber aesthetic and emotional weight. The gradual build-up creates an immersive listening experience that resonates deeply with fans.
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Vast Choirs — This song showcases My Dying Bride's ability to blend melodic elements with heavy instrumentation, creating a haunting atmosphere. Its lyrical narrative enhances the overall theme of existential reflection found throughout the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's heavy riffs and emotional depth establish it as a key work in the death-doom genre.
What we noticed
- The album features heavy, slow tempos that rarely exceed a mid-paced rhythm, creating a dense atmosphere throughout.
- Guitar riffs are layered with melodic leads, often alternating between harsh and clean vocals to enhance emotional impact.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that build tension before resolving into climactic moments.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wave-like pacing with emotional depth
- haunting melodies for introspective moments
- dynamic exploration of despair themes
- cathartic release through melancholy
- for late-night solitude
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat and fast tempos
- seek instant gratification from music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- As the Flower Withers marks My Dying Bride's debut album, released in 1992 as they were establishing themselves within the UK death-doom scene. The band's signature blend of doom metal and gothic elements was fresh and innovative, setting them apart from their contemporaries. This album laid the groundwork for their subsequent works and helped to solidify their reputation in the heavy music community.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Anathema· Paradise Lost· Swallow the Sun
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Silent Dance 2:13
- 2 Sear Me 9:05
- 3 The Forever People 4:09
- 4 The Bitterness and the Bereavement 7:37
- 5 Vast Choirs 8:15
- 6 The Return of the Beautiful 12:49
- 7 Erotic Literature 5:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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