What makes The Ghost of Orion by My Dying Bride notable?

The Ghost of Orion received critical acclaim upon release, debuting at number 12 on the UK Albums Chart. This album is notable for its lyrical exploration of themes like loss and isolation, resonating deeply with fans and critics alike, further solidifying My Dying Bride's influence within the doom metal scene. Released in 2020, The Ghost of Orion is My Dying Bride's thirteenth studio album, following their 2017 effort, Feel the Misery. This album marks a significant return after a period of lineup changes and showcases the band's enduring commitment to evolving their sound while remaining rooted in their signature style.

Who is The Ghost of Orion for?

The Ghost of Orion works well if you're into steady emotional exploration of grief, melancholic soundscapes for reflection and gradual build to cathartic release.

How many songs are on The Ghost of Orion?

The Ghost of Orion has 8 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

The Ghost of Orion

My Dying Bride · 2020

56 min · 8 tracks · doom metal

A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and crushing riffs, embodying the essence of death-doom with emotional depth.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Your Broken Shore — This track opens the album with an expansive soundscape that perfectly captures the melancholic atmosphere characteristic of My Dying Bride, introducing listeners to the emotional weight they can expect throughout.
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To Outlive the Gods — With its powerful instrumentation and poignant lyrics, this track embodies the struggle between hope and despair, reflecting on mortality in a way that resonates with the band's overarching themes.
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The Long Black Land — This lengthy piece showcases intricate arrangements and dynamic shifts, illustrating the band's ability to weave complex narratives through music while maintaining an immersive listening experience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively blends heavy riffs with atmospheric elements, showcasing strong songwriting and production.

What we noticed

The first three tracks build a slow, heavy atmosphere with layered guitar riffs and deep growls, while the fourth track introduces clean vocals and piano for contrast.
Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections that allow for atmospheric development, creating a sense of space and depth.
The album closes with a track that revisits themes from earlier songs, providing a cyclical feel to the overall narrative.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

steady emotional exploration of grief
melancholic soundscapes for reflection
gradual build to cathartic release
immersive experience for solitude
atmospheric depth for headphone listening

Maybe skip if you

seekers of upbeat tempos
prefer instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2020, The Ghost of Orion is My Dying Bride's thirteenth studio album, following their 2017 effort, Feel the Misery. This album marks a significant return after a period of lineup changes and showcases the band's enduring commitment to evolving their sound while remaining rooted in their signature style.
Stylistic neighbors: Anathema· Paradise Lost· Swallow the Sun