While the average person associates the term Goth with black dyed hair, black clothes, dark eyeliner, and dark nail polish, the truth is that there is much more to the genre than such tropes. In terms of music, Gothic Rock had some exceptional artistic contributions in the late ‘70s into the ‘80s with bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Sisters of Mercy, and The Mission UK. Just a few of the more influential acts during the golden era of this style of music, in more recent times the past is alive once more.
Proving everything is cyclical, many fascinating bands have emerged in the last few years with richly traditional Goth Rock-influenced music. To name a few, you have California’s Drab Majesty (who most recently put out the striking single “Photograph”) Canada’s Pøltergeist (who emerged with their debut album Nachtmusik on October 25, 2024), but also France’s Soror Dolorosa.
No strangers to the scene, the Paris-based Soror Dolorosa have roots that date back over two decades, they put out their debut EP Severance in 2009, followed by their first full-length Blind Scenes in 2011. A good foundation, with steady progression, next came 2013’s No More Heroes and 2017’s Apollo, but now in 2024, they are back with Mond. Their first album in seven very long years, Mond finds the band creating what could be their most electrifying set of songs yet.
Released on October 4th through Prophecy Productions, the new album features founding Vocalist Andy Julia and Bass Hervé Carles, and new Guitarist Jean-Baptiste Marquet. With this in mind, it should be assumed that most are unfamiliar with Soror Dolorosa. Approaching the band from this perspective, as stated, they very much are true to the origins of ’80s Gothic Rock. However, in a modern world where so many artists lack any identity and seem to be mimicking rather than being genuine, what Soror Dolorosa does is not a generic watered-down regurgitated, but something genuine.
Essentially, they come from a sincere place, embedded inside of them and it shows in the music. Perfectly presented with Mond, this album feels and sounds like it was teleported from 1986. A high compliment, the emotion is palpable, the atmosphere eerily executed, and the songwriting exceptionally drawn out. With an authentic haunting quality, the nine songs of Mond each stand out on their own as they do as a cohesive collection.
With so much to get lost within, the guitar melodies are darkly mesmerizing, the synth elements dramatically flawless, and Julia’s vocals the proverbial cherry on top. You could compare Julia’s vocal performance to Midge Ure, and would not be wrong, because there are moments where he soars high; like on “Tear It Up” or “Obsidian Museum.” There are also times you could feel the influence of The Church’s Steve Kilbey or Bauhaus’ Peter Murphy; with tracks such as “Red Love” and “Soul Collide.” Then again, you can hear so many more elements in each song, so the best advice is to allow your ears to dissect them.
In the end, Soror Dolorosa might be a veteran act, but Mond is a fresh exploration that should draw them to the forefront of many new listeners. Something that will appeal to those who appreciate art in the purest form possible, if you like any of the bands mentioned, but also Echo and the Bunnymen, or even 69 Eyes, you will love Soro Dolorosa’s masterful Mond. Putting them in the upper echelon of Gothic Rock acts, Cryptic Rock gives this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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