When they told me that While Heaven Wept are about to release a new album, I could hardly believe that, from the view that I wasn’t sure if they could compose something similar to the previous masterpieces with the same emotions and feelings. Although, I thought about my eternal hero and idol Tom Phillips and I compromised with the idea that he has never let me down musically and for sure he won’t with the new album.
Then, I was informed that Rain Irving would sing instead of Tom Phillips which was a surprise for me as well but looking back to his previous bands I found out that his voice was pretty much trustworthy.
After all these, the album came to my hands. I would like to start from the magnificent artwork and front cover which translates exactly what the album’s title is about: VAST OCEANS LACHRYMOSE
Moving on the first epic song “The Furthest Shore”, we realize that While Heaven Wept have been refreshed, as they present more mature both lyrically and musically. Rain Irving’s apocalyptic voice, reminding to me in some parts the voice of the legendary Fates Warning first singer John Arch, was suitable for the occasion, as it combines with Tom’s haunting guitar melodies perfectly. As we continue
with the next two songs of the album, we are absorbed by the atmosphere made by slow but also many mid tempo parts, acoustic guitars, and beautiful vocal lines, all bonded together by a dreamy production.
Then, “Vessel”, an amazing song and my personal favorite, orientates a new dimension for the album, as it is firstly a song consisted of the classical While Heaven Wept elements, catchy chorus and melodies that are unique and made us put this band to our hearts forever and secondly is a “key” song because after that the album fades out slowly by two amazing instrumental hymns.
Having all the emotional vibes and structures from the previous songs, “Vast Ocean Lachrymose” and “Epilogue”, has come to show that While Heaven Wept, beyond all pleasant changes, retain the elements that we all love like bittersweet melodies with a rise of hope just to breathe for a while until you drown eternally….
Father Alex
