Mothertomb – Dying To Live

Mothertomb
Dying To Live
Out: 14^th July 2026
Playing time: 39:59

Emerging from the frozen forests of Northern Michigan, Mothertomb have officially released their highly anticipated debut full-length album, ‘Dying To Live’.

That is the poetic announcement in the press release. Mothertomb were formed in 2025, when, following an ice storm, more than 145,000 residents of Michigan were left without electricity for weeks, in sub-zero temperatures. In their music, the band combines the raw power of traditional Doom Metal with Stoner Grooves, a Gothic atmosphere and progressive songwriting. Ahead of their debut album, two of the tracks have already been released as singles.

At three-quarters of a minute, ‘The Summoning’ is a rather short Doom track. But by no means an intro. Calm, contemplative soundscapes and ethereal vocalises from singer Alice Gawlinski set the tone. These are accompanied by heavy yet subdued riffs and equally subdued drumming at the start, building gently towards a climax. Clean guitar chords and more vocalised passages introduce ‘Cythraul’, before Alice kicks in with her contemplative and beguiling vocals. Then hard guitar riffs kick in. A ten-minute monumental epic with a progressive edge. Later, the singer unleashes angry growls and screams that sound as though they’re coming straight from the depths of hell. Meanwhile, the drums rumble, at times accompanied by hard-hitting riffs. Things continue at a slightly slower pace with ‘Beware’. The deep tones of the bass and guitars dominate, and Alice once again enchants with her vocals. Towards the end, the riffs become heavier and a little faster. The interplay of contrasts within and between the songs continues on ‘Mountain Hag’. Clear guitar chords and heavy riffs alternate. This is accompanied by a powerful bass line and some sound gimmicks. The vocals remain mostly like an elf, but then become powerful again, driven on by the drums and guitar. With occasional growls and screams, Alice Gawlinski almost screams her heart out. ‘Dying To Live’ is introduced by rhythmic drumming. At first, Alice sings in a calm, deeper tone. Later, you hear those vicious growls one last time.

‘Dying To Live’ is dominated by calm, melancholic tones. The vocals mostly follow suit. Alice Gawlinski’s voice has a way of enchanting the listener. Only now and then does the singer seem to explode, screaming and growling. In typical Doom tradition, she is accompanied by heavy, at times heavily distorted guitars and driven by powerful drums.

Mothertomb – Beware: https://youtu.be/MGRIzhZIpgU?si=8xkU-3-xBJQRmQ3i

Lineup:

Alice Gawlinski – Vocals
Chance Gawlinski – Guitar
Alton Minor – Bass
Mike Benitez – Percussion

Track list:

• Mountain Hag
• Beware
• Mirror Mirror
• Dying To Live
• Hollow