Clouds' evolution into melancholic doom monolith has been incredibly exciting to watch. The international effort is an ever-evolving homage to loss and saudade. Over the years, each album, single, or EP sees the band further dive into sadness. Daniel Neagoe and company work through the turmoil of losing and missing loved ones. With each repetition, they refine their sorrow into a cathartic and atmospheric doom metal that rivals the classic 90's Peaceville era.
On their newest album, Dor, Clouds not only double down on their despair but also bolster their ranks and bring a star-studded cast of guest musicians and vocalists. Violinist, Irina Movileanu, joins the roster. She follows a complete lineup that features a handful of members of Descend Into Despair—Xander Coza (guitar), Luca Breaz (drums), and Alex Costin (bass)—as well as Indee Rehal Sagoo (guitar). This team dynamic immediately shows up in "Forever And A Day" and of course it sustains throughout Dor's entirety.
Even though Clouds has had a firm hold on their doomed vision, the guest spots simply take this album to another level. The additions of Gogo Melone (Aeonian Sorrow) on "When I'm Gone" and Pim Blankenstein (Officium Triste) on "The Forever Sleep" add a touch of drama to their respective compositions. Other notable guests include Sylvaine, Kayla Dixon of Witch Mountain, Mihu (Abigail), and the winner of Clouds' vocals contest Caleb Bergen (Sleepwalkers).
"On the way to the next resting place, we picked up many stories, filled our bags with lots of feelings and we feel it is now the time to write another chapter for you, our friends," Neagoe says in a statement to Metal Injection. "Along the way there have been many tears shed, looking back at all we've all left behind, always remembering why this project had been created and trying to put in music our deepest passion, love, and sincerity in feelings.
He continues on to state, "This will be the third chapter. A third story and a third chance to fight fire with fire. Dor is the ultimate feeling of emotionally and physically missing someone. And as with all of us, to miss can be hurtful, especially if we chase a memory of someone no longer amongst the living. This third chapter is dedicated to all of those who miss, who long, who yearn."
Stream the emotive Dor now and pick up a copy of it from Bandcamp. Follow Clouds on Facebook also.
