The Marionettes’ Ave Dementia is a lot of fun. Which feels weird to say about goth rock.
This isn’t a genre I usually gravitate toward, but this album has a lot going for it: catchy melodies, theatrical vocals, and some really great guitar playing. The music has a dark, gothic atmosphere, but there’s also a melodic hard-rock sensibility that makes it surprisingly accessible.
Plus, the guitarist’s name is Vile Gold! That’s amazing!
“Heaven and Hell” is a great introduction to that sound. It has an infectious beat and a bright, theatrical quality, with Sean Cronin’s rich, resonant voice moving from a deep, commanding delivery into a full-on howl.
Just when you think you’ve heard the most goth song ever, “Damien” says, “Hold my beer.” This one takes things in a darker direction, with choir-like backing vocals and a swelling arrangement that feels almost mystical. The contrast between the two gives you a good sense of the band’s range.
The title track is the album’s most ambitious moment. Its almost religious-sounding chorus creates an ominous, ritualistic atmosphere, while the guitar work has a hypnotic quality that reminded me of Tool’s “Schism,” a song that wouldn’t arrive until more than a decade later. I’m not suggesting any connection between the two, but the similarity in that particular passage is striking.
The album also has a knack for more straightforward melodic rock. “She Said” brings The Mission to mind, with a familiar, driving sound that puts the emphasis on melody rather than elaborate atmosphere. “Like Christabel” is another highlight, with excellent guitar work, rich vocal harmonies, and a lighter, almost goth-pop hook. The song rocks along without losing that catchy quality.
What I enjoy most about Ave Dementia is the balance between its gothic darkness and its sense of fun. There’s plenty of drama in the vocals and arrangements, but the songs are melodic enough to stick with you. The guitar playing is a real strength here. The combination of Gold’s guitar and Cronin’s voice is a marriage made in goth heaven…or would that be hell? I don’t know. I’m new to goth.
Regardless, the big hooks and theatrical flair of Ave Dementia have made this a pleasant surprise. I may not be a goth-rock convert just yet, but I had a great time with this one.
Verdict: Worth a Spin
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