Like the long lost brother you haven't seen in some years, while times change it doesn't take you long to fall back into the comfort zone with one another and it is soon like the he has never been away. So it is with My Dying Bride, a British Doom metal institution last seen in 2006 supporting their rather excellent 'A Line Of Deathly Kings', and while the years may have past that trademark sound is as familiar as ever and before long it feels like they have never been away.

My Dying Bride have had their ups and downs amongst their ten album career and flirted with differing styles and directions over the years with mixed success, but at heart they have always been a die in the wall Doom metal band at heart. 'For Lies I Sire' has that full circle feel to it, almost the realization of a band finally coming to terms with who and what they are. The long absent but much welcomed return of the violin makes a triumphant reappearance rekindling memories of those early albums and days long past. My Dying Bride's music has never been short of atmosphere but 'The Lies I Sire' is a throw back to those dark oppressive days of 'Towards The Sinister'.

'The Lies I Sire' also marks a return to the traditional haunting lyrics and dark foreboding imagery for which Aaron is so famed. His ability to vocalize the melancholy somberness, encompassing all that is brooding and menacing within My Dying Bride is a rare talent, and one which has not been as evident in recent years as once it was. To any other sound track Aaron's vocals would be totally inappropriate but within the confines of My Dying Bride it is a marriage made in heaven (or hell dependant upon your persuasion).

My Dying Bride are masters of misery and their collectively their talents know no bounds when it comes time to producing heavy as hell Doom. Andy Craighan and Hamish Glencross have forged a mighty partnership few can hope to match churning out punishing riffs album after album with a consistency that defies belief. Coupled with the fact that Andy has invested nigh on twenty years in the band and can still sound this original is testimony to his abilities. While 'The Lies I Sire' introduces some new faces the sound remains the same, and I for one welcome my old brother back with open arms......as should you.