This review reposted from Hard Rock Haven.net - http://hardrockhaven.net/online/2009/the-reticent-amor-mortem-mei-erit/

The Reticent Amor Mortem Mei Erit

by Justin Gaines

Staff Writer

Amor Mortem Mei Erit
is the latest release from the Reticent, the one-man side project of
Wehrwolfe drummer Chris “Mordrid” Hathcock. Far from Wehrwolfe’s fierce
death metal assault, The Reticent offers a tranquil, melancholy sound
with gorgeous acoustic instrumentals and moving, soulful vocals.

Amor Mortem Mei Erit is not a metal album per se, but it’s
coming from a metal musician and has a metal feel. The most obvious
point of comparison is Opeth’s brilliant “mellow” album Damnation,
but you can’t help thinking that this is the album the Moody Blues
would have made if they wanted people to kill themselves. It’s hard to
find the right way to describe an album like Amor Mortem Mei Erit.
Beautifully despondent? Majestically bleak? Listening to The Reticent
is like walking out onto a craggy beach just before dawn. The rocks,
water, sand, fog - all gray. These songs are the waves that wash over
you until you can imagine walking out into the water and just
continuing until the water overwhelms you, but you still go willingly
into the gray. My Dying Bride only wishes they were this depressing.

As moving and impressive as it is, the album could have benefited
from more “plugged in” solos, and some Hammond or Mellotron action
would give it a more classic sound, but those are relatively small
gripes. It’s largely an acoustic guitar and vocal album, and both
aspects are handled extremely well.

With its emotional and introspective lyrics, moving instrumental work and melancholy atmosphere, Amor Mortem Mei Erit was
one of the best new releases of 2008, and is one that open minded metal
fans, particularly those who enjoy Opeth, Porcupine Tree, and bands
that tend towards the bleaker end of the spectrum, will definitely want
to check out.

Label: Heaven and Hell Records

Track Listing:

1. Amor Mortem Mei Erit

2. Afterthought

3. Emancipate

4. Years in a Moment

5. Hurt

6. Remission

7. Painless

8. If…

9. Slough of Despond

10. To Be Forgotten…

Hardrock Haven Rating: 9/10