Walk with me into the shadows, it is goth time again and I was completely entranced by 'La douleur (des mortels)', the latest single from Montreal’s The City Gates. From the first thunderous bassline, I felt like I was transported into a cathedral of gloom - where post-punk, shoegaze, and darkwave converge in a glorious, melancholic tapestry.
The decision to deliver the lyrics in French adds a layer of mystique that’s both intimate and epic. The baritone vocals resonate like a sermon from the abyss, especially when intoning lines like "On the paths of darkness, a fiery cross in the sky, eclipses the light of Eden, and exalts the sorrow of mortals". It’s poetry wrapped with drama and when accompanied by the spidery instrumentation, it rolls out splendidly.
The production is robust and immersive - shimmering guitars swirl around pulsating drums, while the bass anchors everything with a brooding elegance. It’s a sound that recalls the grandeur of vintage goth, yet remains distinctly The City Gates.
With La douleur (des mortels), the band have crafted something timeless, aching, and utterly spellbinding. Released via Velouria Recordz and Icy Cold Records, this track is a triumph of atmosphere and emotional depth.
LINK: thecitygates