Album Review and Interview: High Parasite

High Parasite, the parasite-in-chief that is mankind, has emerged from the darkness to present their debut album Forever We Burn which has been released via Candlelight/Spinefarm Records. The record delves into the darker recesses of the human condition and heralds the arrival of a new name and a familiar, formidable voice in the form of My Dying Bride's Aaron Stainthorpe.

Stainthorpe says:

"This is not a side project. It’s a new touring and recording band, and with Forever We Burn, our debut studio album, we’re showing our love for all things gothic and grand, along with a collective belief that dark music doesn’t have to be confined to the shadows.

The band has been lurking in the shadows, developing, growing, and evolving, and is now ready to unveil its own brand of darkness to the world. Skating the lines between metal, gothic rock and dark synth pop, High Parasite is here, and death pop is born!”

Rick of This Day In Metal recently had the opportunity to speak with Aaron Stainthorpe. Check out the full interview below:

'Forever We Burn' opens with a casual build-up of melodic riffage and light drumming until it explodes with a screams of "FOREVER WE BURN!!!" followed by gothic melodic riffage with a pop edge which could have been taken straight from a Paradise Lost album. A combination of Stainthorpe's death growls, brooding clean vocals from bassist and songwriter "Tombs" and supporting female vocals from Heather Thompson (Tapping The Vein) on a foundation of rhythm and groove creates an intoxicatingly catchy opening track. 'My Syndrome' leads the way with haunting 80s style synths, chugging basslines and booming drums before Stainthorpe's foreboding clean vocals set the scene with a warning. The guitar riff is rich and seductive, setting a mid-tempo pace whilst introducing a rougher vocal style and more haunting synths. There is definitely a darkness surrounding this track. 'Grave Intentions' explodes into the forefront with swinging gothic groove, layered vocals and a soaring guitar solo. 'Wasn't Human' presents an old-school chugging guitar tone and accompanying riff with a brooding atmosphere. This track sways with a sense of urgency, regret and darkness whilst emphasising the dual clean vocals.

'Concentric Nightmares' focuses on heavy use of electronic elements and synths supporting thunderous drums, melodically rich riffs and haunting whispers, death screams and Stainthorpe's trademark gothic cleans. This track swings between ethereal darkness and a commanding metal force like a pendulum, closing on an intricately detailed guitar solo. 'Hate Springs Eternal' opens with echoing choir-like vocalisations, eerie organs and a mid-tempo groove stomp and velvety smooth clean vocals until the chorus hits with those instantly recognisable death growls. 'Parasite' follows in the same vein as 'Grave Intentions;' layered vocals, addictive melodies and catchy goth-tinged heaviness. Flurries of chugging riffs and another echoing guitar solo take centre-stage here.

As the record descends into its final section, 'Let It Fail' is anthemic with massive riffs, electronic and industrial influences and Stainthorpe's vocals alternating between silky smooth and gutteral power. Heather Thompson features as guest female vocals once again here creating a dynamic and ethereal layer of style. 'Widowmaker' really emphasises the electronic element of the record. The keys slowly build, creating an air of magical suspense until the demonic roars burst forth, leading the charge with deafening drums and flying guitars. The dual vocals from Stainthorpe and Tombs are once again extravagant and rich. Finally, 'We Break We Die' sounds like it was taken from Paradise Lost's Host cutting-room floor. With its extensive use of electronic synths and keys coupled with distorted gutteral screams, soaring cleans and gloomy, gothic-tinged vocals, this track utilises all the styles within the record to bring it full circle.

Considering the record was produced by none-other than Gregor Mackintosh, it goes without saying that there is a distinct flavour of Paradise Lost throughout. Incorporating elements of death metal, doom metal, gothic metal, electronica and industrial influences with a light dusting of dark synth-pop, High Parasite's Forever We Burn is a dark, seductively intoxicating entity which will burrow its way into your mind and remain there, slowly infecting you with the addictive nature of 'death pop.'

Rating: 8/10
Release Date: September 27th 2024
Released By: Candlelight/Spinefarm
FFO: Paradise Lost, Anathema, My Dying Bride, Tiamat

Track List

1. Forever We Burn
2. My Syndrome
3. Grave Intentions
4. Wasn't Human
5. Concentric Nightmares
6. Hate Springs Eternal
7. Parasite
8. Let It Fail
9. Widowmaker
10. We Break We Die