by Derric Miller
— Managing Editor —
Almost everything about this release sucks. It’s Eric Wagner’s debut solo release, but it’s the only solo album you’ll ever get. Why? Cuz COVID sucks, and took him far, far too early. It sucks there will never be another Blackfinger or The Skull release, at least with Wagner’s legendary voice on it. And finally, it just sucks to come to terms with those whose contributions helped form one tentacle of Heavy Metal, in this case Doom Metal, keep dying before their time, and are no more.
But one thing that doesn’t suck is the music left behind, and In the Lonely Light of Mourning is still a funereal celebration of Wagner’s genius.
It’s a gut punch that it all “begins” on “Rest in Place.” The bass is dripping with sorrow, and dirge-like chords drive the song to new morose lands. As soon as you hear the first words, you know it’s Wagner. His voice is unmistakable. “A breath of wind, here at the end … we’ve come full circle, my friend.” It rings truer that it was originally meant to, perhaps …
“Maybe Tomorrow” is a more hectic composition, heavy, still doomy and thumping, but the pacing is more lively, especially the chorus. “Will you remember that I was even here, by the end of the day?” It’s a resounding YES for Doom, Rock, Metal fans everywhere.
The cello plays a lead role in “If You Lost it All.” This is one of the more somber songs (somehow), airy, you can just breathe and take in Wagner’s soulfully lamenting delivery. Because of the cello, it’s almost orchestral, and one of the shining gems weighing down this priceless crown.
Title tracks are chosen for a reason, and it’s fairly clear why “In the Lonely Light of Mourning” is that track. “Ever the darkest night is waiting for the sun,” is just one piece of poetry you’ll carry with you after hearing it once. Everything just works in this creation–the tempo changes, the anguished vocals, the adept musicianship … it is the best song on the release.
Adding more poesy, the last thing you’ll ever hear new from Wagner (if listen in order) is “Wish You Well” That’s all too literal in the way people sometimes say goodbye to each other, in a collegial manner, anyway. “If you are in Heaven, or Hell, either way … I wish you well,” is the refrain that leaves a bit of a scar knowing this is the truest goodbye Wagner just gave.
So yeah, nothing about In the Lonely Light of Mourning actually sucks. Listen to it as a celebration, not a nod to whatever happens after life ends. Sure, it will suck that you can’t listen to Wagner anymore after you are dust … but no one really knows that answer. For now, listen to it while you can …
Genre: Doom
Band:
Eric Wagner – Vocals
Dave Synder – Drums, Rhythm Guitar
Chuck Robinson – Rhythm Guitar
Lothar Keller – Lead Guitars
Victor Griffin – Lead Guitars
Doug Hakes – Lead Guitars
Brian Gaona – Cello
Ron Holzner – Bass
Sean McAllister – Bass
Tim Reeves – Bass
Matt Cross – Bass
Tracklisting:
1. Rest in Place
2. Maybe Tomorrow
3. Isolation
4. If You Lost It All
5. Strain Theory
6. Walk With Me To The Sun
7. In the Lonely Light of Mourning
8. Wish You Well
Label: Cruz Del Sur
Online:
www.cruzdelsurmusic.com
Hardrock Haven rating: 
(9.2 / 10)
