High Parasite: Aaron Stainthorpe’s Artistic Journey from My Dying Bride to Death Pop

High Parasite, with Aaron Stainthorpe at the helm, heralds a new era of “death pop” with their debut album, ‘Forever We Burn,’ slated for release via Candlelight Records/Spinefarm Records on September 27th, 2024. The debut single, ‘Let It Fail,’ introduces the band’s distinctive sound. This track melds powerful riffs, infectious choruses, and rhythmic grooves with electronic and industrial nuances. Heather Thompson’s ethereal vocals, reminiscent of her work with Paradise Lost, heighten the song’s somber reflection on an irreparably damaged world. Directed by Shaun Hodson (Loki Films), the accompanying video visually encapsulates this sense of despair.

Produced by Gregor Mackintosh of Paradise Lost, ‘Forever We Burn’ features ten tracks, all bearing his signature guitar lines and programming, solidifying the album’s distinct sound. Mackintosh’s production expertise and contributions enhance the album’s unique identity.

History

High Parasite’s Identity

High Parasite, acknowledging humanity’s role as “parasite-in-chief,” brings a new name and a familiar voice to the forefront. Aaron Stainthorpe, the longstanding frontman of My Dying Bride, leads this endeavor, ensuring the spotlight initially focuses on his distinctive presence. Bassist, vocalist, and songwriter Tombs plays a pivotal role behind the scenes, contributing significantly to the band’s creation and launch. The ensemble, rounded out by Sam Hill on rhythm guitar, Jonny Hunter on lead guitar, and Dan Brown on drums, boasts a dynamic sound that traverses metal, Gothic rock, and dark synth-pop. This synergy is evident throughout the album, with all songs bearing the Stainthorpe/Tombs hallmark, particularly in their vocal collaborations.

Stainthorpe’s Artistic Journey

Early Life and Influences

Aaron Stainthorpe’s journey into music is deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural influences. Born on November 12th, 1968, in England, Stainthorpe was immersed in a household that revered both classical music and classic rock. This early exposure to a broad spectrum of sounds fostered his profound appreciation for music’s emotional depth and storytelling capacity, elements that now define High Parasite’s distinctive “death pop” sound.

As a child, Stainthorpe was captivated by the solemn beauty of classical composers like Beethoven and Chopin. Their dramatic flair and profound emotional depth resonated with him, nurturing his fascination with melancholy and the darker aspects of human experience. This early love for classical music later influenced the lush, orchestral arrangements that became a hallmark of My Dying Bride’s sound and continue to echo in his compositions.

Formative Years

Stainthorpe’s formative years were also shaped by the burgeoning post-punk and gothic rock scenes of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Bands such as Joy Division, The Cure, and Bauhaus, with their brooding atmospheres and introspective lyrics, left a lasting impression on him. He was particularly drawn to their existential themes and layered soundscapes, which profoundly impacted his artistic output.

Literature played an equally pivotal role in shaping Stainthorpe’s artistic sensibilities. He developed a voracious reading habit, immersing himself in the works of Romantic poets like Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and John Keats. The Romantic movement, with its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the sublime, resonated deeply with him. The rich, evocative language and exploration of themes such as love, death, and nature in Romantic poetry provided a wellspring of inspiration for his future lyrics, further enriching his lyrical and musical compositions.

Cultural Landscape and Early Experimentation

The cultural landscape of the 1980s, marked by rapid technological advancements and socio-political upheavals, also left its mark on Stainthorpe. The rise of alternative and independent music scenes offered a counterpoint to the mainstream, commercialized music industry. This ethos of artistic integrity and authenticity resonated with him, shaping his approach to music as a form of personal expression and resistance to conventional norms.

Stainthorpe’s early experimentation with writing and performing music began in his teenage years. He joined various local bands, honing his skills as a vocalist and lyricist. These early experiences were instrumental in developing his stage presence and understanding the dynamics of band collaboration. The “do it yourself” spirit of the punk and post-punk movements fueled his passion for music, driving him to pursue his artistic vision despite the industry’s challenges and uncertainties.

Formation of My Dying Bride

By the time he co-founded My Dying Bride in 1990, Stainthorpe had already developed a distinctive artistic vision. His background in classical and gothic music, combined with his literary and philosophical influences, provided a rich foundation for the band’s unique sound. His early years, marked by deep engagement with diverse cultural and intellectual currents, set the stage for his significant contributions to the doom metal genre.

The early 1990s saw significant evolution within the metal genre, with bands increasingly incorporating diverse influences and exploring deeper emotional and existential themes. This environment provided a fertile backdrop for My Dying Bride’s formation. Stainthorpe and Craighan were joined by bassist Adrian Jackson and drummer Rick Miah, both sharing the duo’s passion for creating heavy, emotionally resonant music.

The addition of classically trained violinist Martin Powell was transformative for the band. Powell’s ability to blend classical violin with heavy, distorted guitars provided a unique and innovative sound that distinguished My Dying Bride from their contemporaries. His contributions added a layer of melancholy and sophistication to their music, aligning perfectly with Stainthorpe’s vision of combining beauty and sorrow in a singular auditory experience.

Their debut demo, ‘Towards the Sinister,’ recorded in 1990, was a raw yet compelling introduction to the band’s potential. The demo captured the attention of British metal label Peaceville Records, which recognized the band’s distinctive sound and signed them shortly thereafter. This partnership was crucial in propelling My Dying Bride to the forefront of the doom metal scene.

Establishing a Unique Sound

The release of their first official EP, ‘Symphonaire Infernus et Spera Empyrium’ in 1992, further solidified their place within the genre. The EP showcased their ability to merge heavy, down-tuned guitars with ethereal violin melodies and Stainthorpe’s haunting vocals. This audacious blend of doom, death metal, and gothic elements was characterized by lengthy compositions that allowed for expansive musical exploration.

Stainthorpe’s lyrical content during this period was deeply introspective, often exploring themes of existential dread, unrequited love, and the fragility of life. His lyrics, combined with the band’s innovative sound, resonated with listeners and critics alike. The band’s willingness to experiment with song structure and instrumentation set them apart from their peers and earned them a dedicated following.

Landmark Releases and Critical Acclaim

My Dying Bride’s debut album, ‘As the Flower Withers’ (1992), was a landmark release that captured their evolving sound. The album featured complex compositions that blended doom and death metal with gothic atmospheres. Stainthorpe’s vocal versatility—shifting between guttural growls and mournful clean singing—added a dynamic layer to the music. The themes of despair and desolation resonated deeply with audiences, establishing My Dying Bride as a formidable force within the metal community.

Following the success of their debut, My Dying Bride continued to evolve both sonically and lyrically. Their second album, ‘Turn Loose the Swans’ (1993), marked a significant departure from their earlier work, showcasing a more refined and experimental approach. This album blended doom, death, and gothic metal elements in novel ways. Stainthorpe’s introspective lyrics began exploring more complex themes of existential despair and romantic desolation.

‘Turn Loose the Swans’ further refined their sound, placing a greater emphasis on melody and atmosphere. This album was a significant step in Stainthorpe’s lyrical evolution, as he delved deeper into personal and philosophical themes, crafting narratives that were both haunting and poetic.

As My Dying Bride continued to release music, they became known for pushing the boundaries of the doom metal genre. Their innovative use of violin, keyboard, and orchestral elements, combined with Stainthorpe’s evocative lyricism, set them apart from their contemporaries. The band’s dedication to creating emotionally resonant music that transcended the typical confines of metal endeared them to a broad audience.

Vocal Transformation

Stainthorpe’s vocal style also transformed significantly during this period. Moving beyond the guttural growls of their early work, he incorporated more clean singing, adding a haunting, melodic quality to the band’s music. This duality in vocal delivery became a hallmark of My Dying Bride’s sound, enhancing their emotional range and complexity.

Mid-1990s Innovation

The mid-1990s were a period of notable innovation for Stainthorpe and My Dying Bride. Albums like ‘The Angel and the Dark River’ (1995) and ‘Like Gods of the Sun’ (1996) saw the band pushing the boundaries of doom metal. ‘The Angel and the Dark River’ is particularly significant for its complete abandonment of death metal growls, focusing instead on clean vocals and lush, orchestral arrangements. This album was a bold statement of the band’s commitment to evolving their sound, and it received critical acclaim.

Stainthorpe’s lyrics during this period were deeply influenced by Romantic literature and personal experiences of sorrow and loss. His poetic, often metaphysical approach to songwriting added profound emotional depth to the music. Themes of unrequited love, spiritual yearning, and the inevitability of death were recurrent motifs, rendered with lyrical elegance that set Stainthorpe apart from his contemporaries.

Entering the New Millennium

Entering the new millennium, My Dying Bride continued to diversify their sound. Albums like ‘The Light at the End of the World’ (1999) and ‘Songs of Darkness, Words of Light’ (2004) reflected a return to some heavier elements of their earlier work while incorporating new influences. Stainthorpe’s ability to adapt and integrate different musical styles was evident in these releases, which combined doom metal with classical music, ambient soundscapes, and even folk influences.

Lyrically, Stainthorpe expanded his thematic repertoire to include more nuanced explorations of human emotion and existential contemplation. His narratives became more intricate, weaving complex stories of love, betrayal, and redemption. This period also saw him addressing broader philosophical questions, reflecting deepening introspection and a mature perspective on the human condition.

Personal Challenges and Artistic Growth

The late 2000s and early 2010s were marked by significant personal challenges for Stainthorpe, inevitably influencing his artistic output. The albums ‘A Line of Deathless Kings’ (2006) and ‘For Lies I Sire’ (2009) were created during a time of personal turmoil, reflected in the darker, more introspective nature of the music and lyrics. Stainthorpe’s ability to channel his personal struggles into his art added a raw, authentic quality to these works, resonating deeply with listeners.

My Dying Bride’s later albums, such as ‘A Map of All Our Failures’ (2012) and ‘Feel the Misery’ (2015), were characterized by renewed creative vigor. These albums saw Stainthorpe revisiting themes and stylistic elements of the band’s earlier work while exploring new musical territories. His lyrics continued to exhibit profound emotional intensity, with intricate, evocative storytelling drawn from both personal experience and literary influences.

Recent Works and Evolution

The band’s most recent release, ‘A Mortal Binding,’ represents the culmination of Stainthorpe’s artistic evolution. Produced during a period of significant personal loss and reflection, this album is one of the band’s most emotionally potent works. Stainthorpe’s vocals, seasoned by decades of experience, convey a deep sense of sorrow and longing. The lyrics are rich with metaphor and allegory, exploring themes of mortality, memory, and the passage of time.

Musically, ‘A Mortal Binding’ is an attestation to Stainthorpe and the band’s disposition to continue evolving. The album blends doom metal’s characteristic heaviness with more melodic and atmospheric elements. The use of orchestral arrangements and ambient soundscapes adds a cinematic quality to the music, enhancing the emotional impact of Stainthorpe’s vocals and lyrics.

Interdisciplinary Approach

Throughout his career, Stainthorpe’s work has been enriched by an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from literature, philosophy, and visual art. His lyrics often reference classical literature and mythology, creating a rich tapestry of intertextual meanings. Philosophical themes, particularly existentialist and Romantic ideas, have provided a deep well of inspiration, enabling Stainthorpe to explore complex emotional and existential questions.

Art historians and cultural critics have noted the visual and cinematic quality of Stainthorpe’s lyrics and My Dying Bride’s music. The band’s use of imagery and metaphor mirrors techniques used in visual art, creating vivid, emotionally charged scenes that linger in the listener’s mind. This interdisciplinary approach has enriched Stainthorpe’s artistic output and contributed to the band’s lasting impact and appeal.

Stainthorpe’s work with My Dying Bride has significantly impacted the doom metal genre and transcended musical boundaries to influence a broader cultural landscape. The band’s innovative approach, blending heavy metal, gothic atmospheres, and poetic lyricism, has garnered widespread critical acclaim and a devoted global fan base. This section delves into the cultural impact and critical reception of Stainthorpe’s contributions, highlighting how his artistic vision has resonated across different media and academic disciplines.

Impact on Gothic and Alternative Communities

My Dying Bride’s music has been particularly impactful in the gothic and alternative communities, where their exploration of dark and melancholic themes found a receptive audience. The band’s aesthetic, characterized by somber imagery and introspective lyrics, resonated with those who sought music reflecting their own experiences of sorrow and introspection. This cultural resonance cemented My Dying Bride’s status as icons within the gothic subculture.

Stainthorpe’s work has attracted the attention of academics and cultural theorists. His lyrics, laden with literary references and philosophical musings, have been the subject of scholarly analysis in fields such as literary studies, cultural studies, and musicology. Researchers have explored the intertextuality of Stainthorpe’s lyrics, examining how his use of Romantic and existentialist themes creates a rich tapestry of meaning.

Academic Engagement and Recognition

Cultural theorists have noted the band’s significant contribution to the gothic aesthetic, drawing parallels between their music and the broader cultural movement. Stainthorpe’s exploration of themes such as mortality, grief, and the sublime echoes the concerns of gothic literature and art, positioning My Dying Bride within a long tradition of artists grappling with the darker aspects of the human experience. This academic engagement has validated the artistic merit of Stainthorpe’s work and expanded its reach into new intellectual territories.

Throughout their career, My Dying Bride has received extensive critical acclaim for their innovative and emotionally resonant music. Reviewers have consistently praised the band’s ability to create atmospheric, haunting soundscapes that are both sonically and lyrically compelling. Stainthorpe’s distinctive vocal delivery and poetic lyrics have been highlighted as key elements of the band’s success, earning him recognition as one of the most talented lyricists in the metal genre.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Albums like ‘The Angel and the Dark River’ and ‘The Light at the End of the World’ have been lauded as masterpieces, with critics noting their sophisticated blending of heavy and melodic elements. The band’s willingness to evolve and experiment with their sound has been a recurring theme in reviews, underscoring their commitment to artistic growth and innovation.

Stainthorpe’s contributions have also been recognized through various awards and accolades. My Dying Bride has been featured in numerous metal and alternative music publications, with their albums often appearing on lists of the best releases in the genre. This recognition has solidified their reputation as pioneers and innovators within the metal community.

Side Projects and Collaborations

Beyond his seminal work with My Dying Bride, Aaron Stainthorpe has engaged in various side projects and collaborations, showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist. These endeavors have allowed him to explore different musical landscapes, collaborate with diverse artists, and contribute to a broader array of creative projects.

A notable aspect of Stainthorpe’s career is his willingness to collaborate with artists from various genres and backgrounds. His distinct vocal style and lyrical prowess have made him a sought-after collaborator, leading to several notable partnerships. For instance, his collaboration with the avant-garde project Antimatter on their album ‘Saviour’ (2001) showcased his ability to adapt his doom-laden vocal style to a more experimental, ambient sound. This collaboration allowed Stainthorpe to explore themes of existential angst and emotional desolation in a different musical context, broadening his artistic expression.

Stainthorpe’s work with other metal bands has also been significant. He has lent his vocal talents to bands such as Anathema and Paradise Lost, both of which share My Dying Bride’s affinity for melancholic and atmospheric music. His guest appearances have been praised for adding a unique, haunting dimension to the tracks, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and impactful vocalist.

Release

‘Forever We Burn’ (2024)

Produced by Gregor Mackintosh (Paradise Lost), ‘Forever We Burn’ consists of ten tracks, all bearing his signature guitar lines. The album explores the darker facets of the human condition, heralding the rise of High Parasite as a formidable new entity in the music world. The band’s name underscores mankind’s role as the ultimate parasite, a sentiment echoed in their music and ethos. The voice behind this dark venture is Stainthorpe, whose three-decade legacy in doom metal is well recognized. Despite the initial focus on Stainthorpe’s profile, the band is a collaborative force, with bassist/vocalist/songwriter Tombs playing a pivotal role in its formation and creative output.

Stainthorpe and Tombs’ synergy forms the dark, pulsating heart of High Parasite. They are joined by Sam Hill on rhythm guitar, Jonny Hunter on lead guitar, and Dan Brown on drums, creating a cohesive five-piece ensemble. “The band has been lurking in the shadows, developing, growing, and evolving, and is now ready to unveil its own brand of darkness to the world,” Stainthorpe remarks. He further explains that High Parasite skates the lines between metal, gothic rock, and dark synth-pop, culminating in their unique “death pop” sound.

The first single, ‘Let It Fail,’ released on May 30th, is accompanied by a Shaun Hodson (Loki Films) directed video. This track, an anguished lament for a planet beyond repair (“Had our time, ran our luck / Let the night swallow us up”), offers a foretaste of the album’s thematic depth and musical intensity. With big riffs, choruses, and grooves, and a nod to electronic and industrial music, ‘Let It Fail’ is a bitter yet memorable introduction to High Parasite’s sound. Heather Thompson (Tapping The Vein) adds haunting vocals, recalling her previous collaborations with Paradise Lost.

“‘Let It Fail’ signifies the arrival of High Parasite; it sees the band firmly planting its Gothic Metal/Death Pop flag, and raising it high,” states Stainthorpe. “A stark analysis of a dying world, a hopeless dream for change, a nihilistic anthem.”

Today, High Parasite released their second single, ‘Grave Intentions,’ which serves as a cautionary tale, warning of the perils of excessive obsession with the virtual realm and the deterioration of genuine human connections, as articulated by bassist Tombs. He explains, “The song is a narrative/warning of how overwhelmingly and dangerously obsessed some can become living vicariously through the Internet and social media; the decay of real human interaction/connection, and the reactions to being cut out and blocked from other people’s online life.”

Conclusion

High Parasite will join Cradle of Filth on their By Order of the Dragon tour, marking a significant milestone in their burgeoning career. The tour kicks off on October 27th, 2024, in Bristol and concludes on December 7th in Liège, Belgium, with High Parasite featured prominently in the United Kingdom and Ireland segment alongside Butcher Babies. This tour provides an excellent platform for High Parasite to showcase their dark sound to a broader audience, a strategic move that underscores their growing presence in the metal scene.

One of the tour’s highlights will be a special Halloween performance at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on October 31st, an event that promises to blend music with elaborate stagecraft, fitting perfectly with Cradle of Filth’s theatrical flair. High Parasite’s participation in this segment is particularly significant, given the alignment with Cradle of Filth’s renowned immersive live shows and Gothic aesthetics.

Stainthorpe passionately states, “The band lives to play live, to connect with people, and to share in all the glorious darkness the world has to offer. This is just the start of our journey. Join us.” This sentiment reflects the band’s dedication to live performances and their desire to forge a deep connection with their audience.

The band’s commitment to their craft is further highlighted by their inaugural release, ‘Forever We Burn,’ and the accompanying promotional tour. Stainthorpe emphasizes, “This is not a side project. It is a new touring and recording band. With ‘Forever We Burn,’ we are showcasing our love for all things gothic and grand, proving dark music does not have to stay in the shadows.” This statement reinforces High Parasite’s intention to redefine the genre and establish a unique voice within the metal landscape.

As the music industry anticipates the impact of ‘Forever We Burn,’ High Parasite stands poised to make a significant impact, leveraging their participation in the By Order of the Dragon tour to reach new heights. This period marks the beginning of a promising journey for High Parasite, setting the stage for their evolution and influence in the extreme metal genre.

Stainthorpe’s artistic evolution is a journey marked by continuous growth, innovation, and deep emotional resonance. From his early experimentation with blending different musical styles to his mature exploration of complex themes, Stainthorpe has remained a dynamic and influential figure in the doom metal genre. His ability to integrate diverse influences and personal experiences into his music has resulted in a body of work that is both artistically rich and emotionally profound.

Stainthorpe’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and unwavering commitment to artistic integrity. As he continues to create and evolve, his work remains a powerful testament to the enduring power of music to convey the depths of human emotion and experience. Through his contributions to My Dying Bride, and now with his new endeavor, High Parasite, Stainthorpe has not only shaped the landscape of doom metal but has also left an indelible mark on the broader cultural and artistic world.