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Band: Into The Mist
Album title: Phalena
Release date: 1 August 2024
Label: Self-Release
Genre: Gothic Rock, Darkwave, Post-Punk, Horror Goth
Tracklist:
01. Dark Willows
02. Phalena (the tale of the child in the woods)
03. Moonglare Evil
04. Obscured
05. Nocturnals Die
06. Lilith Comes At Night
07. Tenebra
08. White
09. Outro: Overdose Of Moon
10. Falena (la favola del bambino nel bosco)
11. Мотылёк
It's been nearly ten years since I last encountered the Italian band Into The Mist. At that time, they had just released their second studio album, Graveyard Of Stars, which, like their debut album, ITM, convinced me with its morbid gothic rock sound, blending old-school gothic rock with modern darkwave elements. Shortly after that, the band announced the release of its third album, but it got delayed, and the group faded from memory. Now, emerging from obscurity, the band has released a new album - Phalena.
Despite drawing from various influences, Into The Mist established a recognizable sound right from the start. So, what does Phalena offer? A wealth of "horror"-tinged gothic rock that has somewhat lost the freshness and playfulness of earlier works.
On the surface, Phalena may come off as a calm album, but it conceals a great deal of energy beneath. This tension creates a feeling of suspense and anticipation, perhaps a bit too much at times. The band seems aware of this; unlike its first two albums, it incorporates minimalism and elements of old-school occult rock, crafting music reminiscent of classic Italian B horror films from the 60s and 70s. Hopefully, the somewhat uninspired opening track, "Dark Willows", does not set a negative tone, as the subsequent song, "Phalena (The Tale Of The Child In The Woods)", shines as the album's highlight with its haunting and catchy vibe.
Throughout the album's 11 tracks, we're drawn into a magical horror fairy tale world, although some tracks stand out more than others. The deep, raspy vocals effectively evoke nightmarish illusions. Into The Mist carefully blends the mysticism of early Fields Of The Nephilim with the occult rock of Black Widow, Ennio Morricone's soundtracks, French coldwave, and post-punk reminiscent of Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, along with touches of decadence similar to Death SS from the 80s. The guitars are often distorted and tuned down, accompanied by reverberating bass lines and straightforward drum beats, which create a compelling sound, though not always.
Some notable tracks include the dramatic "Phalena", the dark horror rock piece "Moonglare Evil" with its catchy chorus and exquisite guitar work, the semi-acoustic ballad "White", and the darkly romantic "Lilith Comes At Night". Unfortunately, there are a few unnecessary filler tracks, and I believe that an EP featuring only the best songs from this album would have made a stronger impact.
All the tracks on Phalena have a slow pace, but the standout pieces possess a dynamic yet vibrant energy. While Into The Mist has delivered a good album, I must admit that I expected a bit more from a band that released two excellent albums nearly a decade ago. Nevertheless, Phalena is a solid representation of melodramatic horror, goth, and gloom. Almost every note has a special Mediterranean mystical touch that can be felt throughout the entire album. The production is good, although slightly unpolished, which fits the album's aesthetic. It evokes a certain old-school vibe while still sounding modern.
Phalena is not an album that grips you immediately; it requires more time to reveal its charms. I recommend giving it at least a try for all kinds of gothic rock enthusiasts, darkwavers, and fans of romantic horror.
Review by Tomaz
Rating: 7/10
