(((O))) Live: My Dying Bride – Shinsaibashi SUNHALL, Osaka

For Japan-based fans of My Dying Bride, it felt almost surreal to wait 35 years to finally see them on these shores, only for the band to appear without the voice that has defined them for all that time. Adding to the uniqueness of the situation was the fact that Aaron Stainthorpe’s replacement was none other than Mikko Kotamäki of Swallow the Sun, the support act for these two shows in Japan.

Doing a double-shift is a tall order for any vocalist, but for one who has to seamlessly transition between soaring clean vocals and crushing death metal growls in both bands (and on two consecutive nights) is a real test of stamina and versatility. Unsurprisingly, though, Mikko was more than up to the task and rose to the challenge with ease.

Swallow the Sun opened their set with ‘Innocence Was Long Forgotten’, a catchy alt-metal cut from their latest release, Shining. It wasn’t the opening I expected from a band renowned as death-doom legends, but I’d be lying if I said the song wasn’t stuck in my head for hours afterwards.

Things quickly shifted back into more familiar territory with ‘Descending Winters’, as the band unleashed the heavy riffs and bleak atmosphere that have long been their trademark. Looking around the room, heads were nodding in unison, and it was clear the audience was fully immersed in the band’s melancholic world.

The undisputed highlights of the set, for me, were the final two tracks: ‘These Woods Breathe Evil’ and ‘Swallow (Horror, Part 1)’. While I wasn’t deeply familiar with the band before the show, I knew their reputation and had often seen New Moon and The Morning Never Came recommended by fans. Fittingly, these two songs, which are standouts from those very albums, brought some of the heaviest moments of the set, serving as a powerful conclusion that stood in contrast to the more melodic and modern material played earlier.

As Swallow the Sun headed offstage, the crowd waited in anticipation for Mikko’s second appearance of the night – this time as frontman for My Dying Bride. Regardless of whatever may be unfolding behind the scenes, there was no doubt the band was ready to deliver a memorable performance. Opening with 1996’s ‘A Kiss to Remember’ from the underrated Like Gods of the Sun, the setlist was a (delightfully) miserable journey through their discography, with a focus on their most definitive works.

While many bands build their sets around a strong opener and closer, the most memorable section of the night came right in the middle. Tracks from their mid-90s period formed the emotional and sonic core of the show. ‘From Darkest Skies’ stood out with its crushing riffs that were so heavy it felt as if they were begging for guttural vocals. In fact, it sounded like Mikko might have taken some artistic liberties and thrown them in on occasion, but it’s worth noting here that his vocals were noticeably lower in the mix compared to his Swallow the Sun set, making it difficult to hear him clearly during some of the heavier passages. Whether this was intentional, perhaps to avoid drawing too direct a comparison with Aaron, or simply a result of loud guitars, it felt slightly strange at times.

My Dying Bride. Photo: Grayson Hale

‘The Cry of Mankind’ is rightly seen as My Dying Bride’s signature song, and this performance made clear why. Built around a looping tapping-riff that runs almost uninterrupted through its entire runtime, the song rises and falls with a melancholic grandeur. Mikko’s vocal delivery was understated, almost mumbled, but it fitted the mood of the piece. Since the track is best known for its haunting instrumental passages, I found myself more immersed in the music compared to some of the other songs. This rendition absolutely cemented ‘The Cry of Mankind’ as one of my favourite pieces in the doom/gothic metal canon, and I’ve had it on repeat ever since.

Another highlight came with ‘The Snow in My Hand’ from their seminal 1993 album Turn Loose the Swans, a track that has been absent from setlists for some time and was a welcome surprise for long-time fans. ‘The Snow in My Hand’ is one of those songs from the band that blends a range of styles into one hauntingly cohesive piece, and it made for a compelling performance. It was also refreshing to hear something from so early in the band’s catalogue, especially given how much material they’ve released since.

Although I’ve gradually explored most of My Dying Bride’s back catalogue over the years, the album that really captured my imagination when I heard it for the first time some 15 years ago was The Dreadful Hours, and specifically the second track, ‘The Raven and the Rose’. Hearing it live as the set closer felt like a full-circle moment. While the band have plenty of occasions across their discography where they cross over from doom into gothic into death metal, this song strikes me as one where all the elements that define them come together most cohesively. The main riff is absolutely titanic and would undoubtedly be a nominee for the award for Best Death-Doom Riff, if it existed (imagine seeing that at the Grammys!). The energy from the crowd surged the moment the song began, making it a perfect and cathartic finale to the show.

Special mention must be given to promoters Evoken de Valhall Productions (EVP4U) for managing to bring the band to these shores during such a turbulent time, delivering a high-quality event while also innovating with fan-driven ticket sales. The decision to pair Swallow the Sun and My Dying Bride was an inspired one, and the result was a night that felt both special and long overdue.

As fans speculate about what lies ahead for the band, and whether bridges can be rebuilt, one thing is clear: My Dying Bride remains a potent force in live performance. This show proved they can weather the storm and carry their legacy forward. Here’s hoping they continue to tour and create for many years to come.