Dark, yet catchy. Sorrowful, yet uplifting. Old school, yet new school. Los Angeles newcomers Dommin combine opposing forces in their songs to create their triumphant debut on Roadrunner Records. There’s a variety of styles utilized on Love is Gone, from ’80s goth rock/dark wave a la The Sisters of Mercy and The 69 Eyes, to more mid-paced gothic/doom metal a la My Dying Bride to modern gothic/industrial music such as Gothminister. This is a real musical feast for goths and rivetheads alike. While the lyrical basis for the album is rather obvious (and well-tread, at that), musically this album is both diverse and incredibly enjoyable, being catchy while avoiding the pitfalls of being cliché. Coming totally out of left field, Love is Gone comes highly recommended.

Published in Volume 64, Number 25 of The Uniter (April 1, 2010)