Like it says above, to those who know me, this page is fairly self-explanitory *and even if you don't know me you might've seen the numerous 'My Dying Bride' songs I have on my ~*Lyrics*~ page* The purpose of this page is just to inform you of this wonderful band called 'My Dying Bride'. I would say that they have rapidly become my favourite band and no matter what other band I listen to, none compare to the likes of these Doom Metal lads

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I was first introduced to My Dying Bride' by a very good friend of mine in Finland. One day he sent me 3 song lyrics from a band whom he was sure I'd like. Without even hearing the music I knew that this was going to be a very special band for me. I immediately raced out to the music store, and fortunately enough they had an album. The album was Like Gods of the Sun and I still think to date, that it is their finest masterpiece. I know it sounds crazy but from the very first seconds of listening to the album they had me. I think it was a combination of the amazing lyrics, emotive music and just some invisible drive that made me know instantly that this was 'my music'.

So, the next step for me was to find every other album that they had produced. Living in New Zealand made this task a lot more difficult, but I am so grateful to someone I know for helping me add to my collection. *If you're out there reading this now, I will always be grateful, as I don't know what I would've done without you* Some of my friends say that I'm obsessive about 'My Dying Bride'. Personally I don't think I am. I'm just a fan of their music. I find some connection between the lyrics, music and feeling, which bores deep into me and makes me feel at peace. I can't see anything wrong with that......I think that if more people found connections like that then the world would have less problems.

Anyway, that's how I came to love 'My Dying Bride'. Now, it's time to find out who they are. The boys from Bradford; England formed 'My Dying Bride' in 1990. They started out as somewhat of a Death/Doom band, with albums like As the Flower Withers which has the most obvious Death Metal influences out of all their albums. Three years after their debut full length album, out came Turn Loose the Swans, where they broadend their horizons somewhat and followed down the great path of doom. From 1993 onwards, with the inclusion of a more prominant violin/piano section which is clearly evident on The Angel and the Dark River, Like Gods of the Sun and the aforementioned Turn Loose the Swans.

1998 saw turbulent times for many My Dying Bride fans, including myself. 34.788%..Complete was the result. Totally going away from the traditional sound of these Bradford lads. It's an album in which I cannot categorize properly, and I have difficulty doing so *yes shock horror I know :-p* All I can say at the moment is that it seems rather experimental, and contains a different subject and atmospheric theme. In the beginning I did not like this album at all. I was shocked and saddened. However, it's grown on me like a fungus and now I'm rather fond of it.

Much to my delight in 1999, when they released The Light at the End of the World I was relieved. In short, My Dying Bride was back *except the violins grr*. Subsequently they have revived their old style of amazing melodies and intense lyrics, which provide a haven for the emotions that many feel with this band. The Dreadful Hours, being their latest release again follows them down the Doom path yet again.

Ove the years 'My Dying Bride' have bloomed into a highly acclaimed band and have had many successful albums. My only real wish for this band in the future is to bring back the violins of old. They were magical!

Below I'll list all their albums, and along side I will give my own personal rating (only on full length albums though).

1990 - Towards the Sinister
1991 - Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium
1992 - As the Flower Withers 4/5
1992 - The Thrash of Naked Limbs
1993 - Turns Loose the Swans 4/5
1994 - I Am the Bloody Earth
1995 - The Angel and the Dark River 5/5
1995 - Trinity *compilation* 4/5
1996 - Like Gods of the Sun5/5
1998 - 34.788%..Complete 3/5
1999 - The Light at the End of the World 4/5
2000 - Meisterwerk 1
2001 - Meisterwerk 2
2001 - The Dreadful Hours 5/5
2002 - The Voice of the Wretched
1997 - For Darkest Eyes (VCR)
2002 - For Darkest Eyes + bonus material (DVD)

Hmm, what else to say....I personally could ramble on and on about this band and why I adore them, but perhaps I should let you make up your own opinion. To listen to samples of their epic work, visit either the official website *as listed below* or visit the ultimate Doom Metal site *also linked below*. If however, you listen to 'My Dying Bride' and decide that they're a band for you, write me an e-mail or something.....I'd love to hear from other briders out there!!! *we are few and far between - a special breed*