What makes Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium by My Dying Bride notable?

This album is significant for helping to define the death-doom genre, establishing My Dying Bride as pioneers alongside contemporaries like Paradise Lost and Anathema. It received critical acclaim and has been cited as influential in shaping the dark, melancholic aesthetic that characterizes much of the genre today. Released as My Dying Bride's debut album in 1991, 'Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium' marked their emergence in the death-doom scene. The band was still establishing its identity, following a series of demos that showcased their unique sound blending doom metal with death metal elements.

How many songs are on Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium?

Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium has 3 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium

My Dying Bride · 1991

20 min · 3 tracks · doom metal

A haunting blend of somber melodies and crushing riffs, layered with gothic atmospheres and introspective lyrics.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Symphonaire infernus et spera empyrium — The title track exemplifies the band's ability to weave atmospheric instrumentation with deep emotional weight, setting the tone for the entire album.
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God Is Alone — This track features powerful vocal delivery and lyrical themes of isolation, highlighting the band's trademark blend of heaviness and melancholy.
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De Sade Soliloquay — With its stark contrasts between melodic passages and heavier sections, this song illustrates the band's dynamic range and complex songwriting.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

This EP effectively blends melody and heaviness, establishing a strong identity within the death-doom genre.

What we noticed

The first track features a slow build with layered guitar harmonies that create a dense atmosphere before introducing the vocals.
Each song incorporates contrasting sections, alternating between melodic passages and heavy, distorted riffs.
The EP's total runtime is just over 30 minutes, allowing for an immersive experience without overstaying its welcome.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Symphonaire infernus et spera empyrium 11:38
2 God Is Alone 4:50
3 De Sade Soliloquay 3:42

What to play next

Listen next

As the Flower Withers

1992

Go back to

The Voice of the Wretched

Full My Dying Bride discography Where to start with My Dying Bride Artists like My Dying Bride

death-doom doom metal

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata