Inner Missing is a doom band, gradually nudging towards gothic doom and lately even to post-rock. The band has been around since 2008, originally as a duo. Several line-up problems and albums later, 'Defeat' was recorded as a duo again and the new album 'The Sentinel And The Murderer' shows a full band again. These problems didn't help Inner Missing on the way to success but their stubbornness and their will to grow as musicians certainly does.
The mainstay of the music on 'Defeat' is gothic, or atmospheric, doom metal, here and there layered with some progressive and death metal influences. In a way, the band can easily place themselves between bands like My Dying Bride, Insomnium or Saturnus but also in the neighbourhood of electronic goth-acts like Diary Of Dreams, mainly in a gloomy atmosphere of the songs. Opener 'The Secret' and follower 'Bleak' for instance, are excellent doom anthems in perfect nineties tradition.
In 'Febris', they add a brilliant synth sequence as an overtone for the guitars and keyboards, which reminds me a bit of the stuff that Ozric Tentacles makes. Needless to say I absolutely love this, as I am an Ozrics fan for sure. It gives the songs a certain drive, which is always welcome in doom metal. Title track 'Defeat' once again shows that odd baritone voice and all I can think of is a mix of melodic doom and Luciano Pavarotti. I'm not sure if that's a compliment for this band but still... it's quite impressive.
Nonetheless, these are quite immersive songs from an ever-evolving band. They've come a long way since their inception and for some reason I'm sure they will come up with completely different music time and time again. 'December' is already turning away from doom metal by turning into an almost modern-classic ballad, perfect for those early hours at gothic gatherings. It also shows a bit of the post-rock I was talking about earlier, audible in those elaborate sonic passages. Closer 'Phoenix' definitely goes into the latter direction.
I decided to download their newest album too and review that one right after this one. I've been getting quite curious about the evolution of this band as it seems quite an interesting one. So for now, I'll leave you with a nice album in 'Defeat', be it one you you have to get used to and don't focus too much on listening to pure doom metal. Given time and effort, I can see this band doing brilliant things in the future and I really hope they keep on growing.
Serge