The Portuguese band’s return to gothic roots largely lands: 73/100 across six reviews, public at 63. Blabbermouth (9/10) goes as far as calling it « one of their most significant statements and, perhaps, the truest expression of their creative essence yet ». Distorted Sound (8/10) and New Noise (8/10) follow; Metal Hammer (6/10) and Sputnikmusic (2.8/5) pump the brakes.
The point of agreement: the stripping down. Gone is the orchestral overload, in comes a pared-back goth metal where Fernando Ribeiro sounds revitalized — Distorted Sound praises « solemn bangers » a band like this has « down to a fine art », from the opening « Cross Your Heart » through the Middle Eastern melodies of « Your Promise of Light », down to the closing pair « Our Freedom to Fall » / « Reconquista » that toughens the back end.
What divides: exactly how high the bar sits. Angry Metal Guy (3.5/5) rules — this is « the closest the band has come to sounding like their earlier selves », but not at the tier of their peaks, receding guitars included — while Sputnikmusic hopes « this one is just a small blip on Moonspell’s radar ». A fine record of self-fidelity, not a new Irreligious.