A PALE HORSE NAMED DEATH

When The World Becomes Undone

LONG BRANCH More glorious gloom from former Type O sticksman

Since their 2011 debut, APHND have conjured a sweeping fusion of 90s goth metal and surly post-grunge attitude. Which makes perfect sense considering that drummer/founder

Sal Abruscato kept time for both Type O Negative and Life Of Agony. This third outing expands their vision slightly, delivering all the concussive riffs and glacial pacing you’d expect, but with a sharper focus on the brighter elements of their sound. Warm, wistful melodies percolate through booming dirges like Fell In My Hole and We All Break Down, while on cuts like Love The Ones You Hate they ratchet up the tempos and unleash a splintery squall of distorted guitars and massive choruses. A welcome return from an oft-overlooked band.

FOR FANS OF: Paradise Lost, Seventh Void, Daylight Dies

JOE DALY