The Moshville Times - Album Review: Moonspell

For more than three decades, Portugal’s Moonspell have stood among gothic metal’s most enduring and adventurous bands. Since the breakthrough of Wolfheart and the genre-defining Irreligious, the band has balanced crushing riffs with gothic atmosphere, poetic lyricism and Fernando Ribeiro’s unmistakable baritone. While later releases such as Extinct and Hermitage explored more melodic and introspective territory, Far From God appears to reconnect with the dark romanticism that first made Moonspell legends.

Compared with Hermitage, Far From God sounds darker, more confident and considerably more focused. The gothic elements are pushed to the forefront without sacrificing the heaviness that has always underpinned the band’s music. There are echoes of Irreligious and Darkness and Hope, yet the songwriting feels contemporary rather than nostalgic.

The opening track, “Cross Your Heart”, wastes no time setting the tone. Driven by moody, gothic-infused ethereal guitars and haunting keyboards, it combines the band’s metallic edge with infectious hooks, making it an ideal opener. The title track, “Far From God,” continues the spectral mood, embracing classic gothic rock influences with layered melodies, keyboards, somber lyrics and an unforgettable chorus that lingers long after it ends. “Biblical” adds weight and atmosphere through brooding bass lines and a dramatic vocal delivery, venturing into a rawer style accompanied by crunchier guitars. “The Great Wolf in the Sky”, features Alicia Nuhro, providing elegant violin passages that elevate one of the album’s most cinematic moments. It’s an ambitious composition that blends melancholy and grandeur with a sharpened edge without becoming overindulgent.

The reflective “Your Promise of Light” offers a dark gothic decadence, relying on emotional depth, dense melodies and solid basslines. Ribeiro’s vocals alternate between haunting cleans, eerie whispers and powerful screams on a backdrop of swaying guitars and a heavy keyboard presence. “For the Love of Mortals” returns to heavier territory, pairing a rolling drum beat, dense basslines and soaring riffs with gothic flourishes in a way that recalls the darker moments of Night Eternal. “Our Freedom to Fall” continues the album’s introspective themes, balancing accessibility with a rich atmospheric backdrop yet at the same time, it has a heavier metal tone with chugging riffs and a dark energy. Closing epic “Reconquista” brings everything together in dramatic fashion. Its gradual build, layered instrumentation and emotional climax provide a satisfying conclusion that feels both cinematic and unmistakably Moonspell.

The album’s greatest strengths lie in its atmosphere, polished production and Ribeiro’s commanding vocal performance. The balance between melody and weight is consistent, and the songwriting appears cohesive throughout. Some listeners may wish for a little more variety in tempo across the album, and its deliberate pacing occasionally favours mood over immediacy, but these are minor criticisms.

Ultimately, Far From God looks set to reaffirm Moonspell’s place among gothic metal’s elite. Rather than chasing trends, the band embraces the sound they helped define while refining it with decades of experience. Dark, elegant and emotionally resonant, it feels less like a reinvention than a confident reminder of why Moonspell remain one of the genre’s most respected names.

Don’t fancy Patreon? Buy us a one-off beverage!

Far From God is out on July 3rd via Napalm Records.

Check out all the bands we review in 2026 on our Spotify and YouTube playlists!