Following the release of a promising demo, two very interesting (and limited) seven inches, and an excellent MCD, Memory Garden released their absolutely masterful debut CD, "Tides," in 1997, on the cult Heathendoom record label. "Tides" was packed full of impressive twin guitar harmonies, intricate drumming, and a veritable universe of somber and depressing melodies. It displayed total innovation and is sure to be regarded as a classic far into the future. For a band to release such an instant classic as it's first full-lenghter, success was assured. Thus, their signing with Metal Blade Records. For those unfamiliar with Memory Garden, they are a Swedish band specializing in epic doom metal in the old Candlemass and early Solitude Aeturnus tradition. Certainly Memory Garden performs a style which has never been at the forefront of the heavy metal consciousness, but one in which devoted followers have attached to with near-religious fervour.
Following a somewhat disappointing sophomore album, "Verdict Of Posterity," Memory Garden returns to "Tides" form with "Mirage," an album sure to raise a few eyebrows in the heavy metal underground, if Metal Blade Records actually promotes it somewhat this time. Dropping a lot of the groove-based patterns of "Verdict," and its more traditional/power metal stylings, Memory Garden has once again locked onto its doom and gloom roots with aplomb. Where "Verdict" was generally unfocused and meandering, "Mirage" boasts stronger arrangements and much catchier melodies. The sound production also is much clearer and intense on this album. An aura of depression and melancholy permeates "Mirage" and is sure to please all who understand the value of negative energy.
Memory Garden's greatest asset is its twin guitar team of Simon Johansson and Anders Loostrom. The duo craft some of the most awe-inspiringly intricate dual guitar weaves this side of Downing/Tipton or Murray/Smith. Check out passages of "Hallowed Soil," "River Of Sludge," and "My Pain," for clear examples. And despite their penchance for very melodic, somewhat hookish phrasing, they can still write some extremely heavy and aggressive riffs. But their greatest strength lies in their innovative usage of guitar harmonies.
One of the band's biggest liabilities is vocalist Stefan Berglund. Berglund's clean vocal style may be too melodic for some in the more extremities-dominated underground, but I have no fault with that. However, his voice is generally monotonal and oft-times out of key. Nonetheless, he is quite emotive and has a voice like no other. If he would focus more on pronouncing his English correctly and working on his vibretto a bit more, Memory Garden would be that much more godlike.
Stand out tracks include the aforementioned cuts, as well as the New Age-sounding, piano-dominated instrumental, "Yearning" (a very apt title indeed), as well as "Shade," a very measured and nuanced affair. Overall, "Mirage" is a very measured album with plenty of variety and nuance. If you buy this, be sure to play it on one of those cheerless overcast days in which the true atmosphere of this work can overwhelm you. Highly recommended for the incorrigible of mood.
