### Mar de Grises: Draining the waterheart

#### 24/02/10 || Euthanatos

A sea of gray is what this Chilean band’s name means. Yes, despair, woe is me, doom metal at its best. I’m totally on a doom metal vibe right now, listening to a lot of My Dying Bride, Ahab and Forest of Shadows. You should know by now that while I don’t listen to doom on a frequent basis, the best bands in the genre really speak to me musically, making me a fan of the style. Yes, most doom bands are boring, I totally concur. But some are so majestic, it’s impossible, if you like good, heavy music with lots of atmosphere, not to drool over their almost-perfect albums.

This here is one of those near-perfect albums. Although already 2 years old now, it seems like yesterday when I picked this record up, and I can’t really remember why. All I know is that “Draining the Waterheart” called out to my somehow, probably the powerful sounding name of Mar de Grises, and I feel very fortunate to have become acquainted with the band. Their debut, “The Tatterdemalion Express” is also a riveting piece of haunting music, and lately they’ve released a crippingly emotional and well-written EP named “First River Regards”. All doom metal of the best possible kind.

Anyway, we’re here to discuss “Draining the Waterheart”, the first album I came across from the band. Despite being only their 2nd record, Mar de Grises already show a world of experience and professionalism on this album. A deep production, with many otherworldly passages which eventually clash with a somber beckoning, the ghostly growl of Juan Escobar, and the melodic flair of twin guitars courtesy of Sergio Álvarez and Rodrigo M.

The lyrics flow nicely between English and Spanish, another interesting aspect that gives all the more flavor to the album. The doom metal presented is unpretentious and relentless in portraying sadness. This is far beyond a bad hair day, this is forlorn love in the blackest pit of misery.

At times, Mar de Grises is so passionate in wallowing in nothingness that they make Swallow the Sun seem cheerful. And if that makes them sound too slow and/or uninteresting, you’re mistaken. The music is so rich and enticing, you’ll find yourself gripped to this journey into blackness.

A welcome addition to the ranks, Mar de Grises would surely be huge is there was more space for the genre. Alas, they’ll remain quietly popular, leading waves of the initiated down paths of blissful depression.

Highly recommended if you’re into Swallow the Sun, early Katatonia and the like.

The cover: Evokes introspectiveness, as much as a sheep with a slit throat can. Spooky.

- Information
- Released: 2008
- Label: Firebox
- Website: www.mardegrises.com
- Band
- Juan Escobar: vocals, keyboards
- Rodrigo M.: guitars
- Sergio Álvarez: guitars
- Rodrigo Gálvez: bass
- Alejandro Arce: drums

- Tracklist
- 01. Sleep Just One Dawn
- 02. Kilómetros de Nada
- 03. Deep-Seeded Hope Avant-Garde
- 04. Fantasía
- 05. Wooden Woodpecker Conversion
- 06. One Possessed
- 07. Summon Me
- 08. Liturgia: Convite y Prefiguración/Purgatorio/Diálogo Infierno