Umbersound - If The Flies Could Sing
(Melodic,death,doom Metal)
(New York, New York)
(Independent)
Release Date: January 24, 2025
If the Flies Could Sing is the second full-length album by Joe D’Angelo, released under
the moniker Umbersound. The album cover immediately captures attention with its
striking design: the red band logo evokes a sense of sacrifice, danger, and courage.
The artwork presents a stark contrast between light and dark, with a man standing in
the light at the center, while wolves linger in the shadows, encircling a cottage. The
darkness symbolizes demonic forces, mentioned in the albums opening track, while the light represents life, hope, and an ideal existence.
Although labeled as doom metal, the album opens with heavy guitars and an epic,
uplifting introduction. The title track, “Wolves At The Door”, tells a story of confronting
challenges, while also evoking the symbolism of the wolf as a creature of loyalty and
understanding. This track directly connects to the album cover, as previously described,
with its interplay of light and darkness. Here, the darkness represents the embodiment
of powerful demonic figures—Naamah (Mother of all demons), Asmodeus (King of
demons), and Belphegor (a demon tied to the seven deadly sins)—all of whom are
referenced in the song. “If The Fly Can Sing” opens with the sound of buzzing, using the
fly as a paradoxical symbol. While it represents perseverance, transformation, and
adaptability, it is also associated with decay and withering. This duality sets the tone for
the song, which narrates themes of change and new beginnings. Musically, it is more
melodic and introspective compared to the heavier tone of the previous track. “Atmos
Ritual” evokes the atmosphere of a ritual, particularly through its hypnotic drum line. The
track features a range of vocal styles, from clean melodies to narrative tones and brutal
growls, adding depth and complexity. These vocal shifts create a darker, layered
experience, amplifying the songs emotional intensity and mystique.
“Spines On The Shore” paints a gothic and enigmatic scene of a summoning ritual,
while “The Circle Maze” delves into a more personal theme, portraying the anguish of
betrayal. As the album progresses, the tracks grow darker in tone, with slower tempos.
“Death’s Old Sweet Song” captures the desolation of someone abandoned to destiny,
devoid of hope for the future. “One Suffers One Withers” conveys sorrow, despair, and
disappointment, amplified by its hauntingly beautiful solo. Finally, “The Sound of Umber”
introduces a more intense and shadowy atmosphere than the previous tracks. Yet, despite its gloom, the lyrics hint at a shift—offering a glimmer of hope and light amidst the darkness. The album concludes with two instrumental tracks, delivering a much-needed reprieve from the earlier intensity. Their serene and tranquil soundscapes create a truly fulfilling ending.
In essence, "If The Flies Could Sing" explores themes of love, betrayal, and suffering,
interwoven with haunting rituals. The lyrics are rife with evocative similes, befitting a
doom metal album, while also incorporating elements of gothic and death metal. This
makes it a compelling choice for fans of Candlemass, My Dying Bride, and Paradise
Lost.
~ Pegah
Umbersound- The Wolves At The Door (Official Video)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ED2-9Wxq9jM
Bandcamp:
https://umbersound.bandcamp.com/album/if-the-flies-could-sing