In a world of noise, Chris Maragoth’s music invites listeners to pause and to find clarity in melancholy.
In an era of AI and lack of individualism it is refreshing to find some handmade, brain written original music. Chris Maragoth is one of a kind who does not only write songs but creates a musical world full of emotions.
His newest brain child “With Depths of Despair” finds it self on the melancholic edge of this world. But the release date is November 21st thus it seems to fit to autumn in Germany 2025.
The EP contains five songs, and two guest musicians, Sanya Smileska and once again Cherry Summerfield. Let’s not waste anymore words, the music speaks for itself anyway, so we check it out now.
Depths of Despair
The title track features Cherry Summerfield’s heavy growls, but it starts with an innocent piano melody to build up a certain tension, only real artists can create. As soon as Cherry falls in, the song speeds up, and she soon changes to clean vocals and backwards. It is very interesting to listen to the different breaks and speed changes in barely five minutes. Once the “Depths of Despair” have cleared up, you feel the desire to repeat the song again and again. Never let it fade out, play it in a loop. Of course it is very helpful that it ends with the same piano melody as it started.
Hidden Signs of Sadness
Looming Evil
Dance of the Damned
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These three instrumental songs feature Sanya Smileska on violin. I thought it would make sense to put all three together in my review because for me they sound like an emotional journey with all ups and downs of life if you put them together. I am telling no secret when I say, a violin can sing. That’s what happens during the “Hidden Signs of Sadness”. On the surface everything looks fine, bright and shiny. But behind the curtain, you detect the evil and mean side but who cares in our modern times? The journey continues “Looming Evil” from the depths of mankind’s depravity. Once they are done, the “Dance of the Damned” takes control. To my personal pleasure some more historical instruments are used. So I hear the playful sound of a spinet as the duet partner of Sanya’s violin. Thus with this little gem, the journey ends and you reach your final destination. Take another ride and continue the journey to the final song.
History On Repeat
We hear Cherry Summerfield on vocals again. We are clearly more on the brutal metal side than on the previous instrument songs. Growled verses exchange with clean choruses. It is a fascinating combination of skills and vocal technics! There is a wee bit of insanity in it that I really adore!
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The musical journey of this EP is short but worth every minute and more than one listen. These five songs represent more artistic genius than most full-sized albums with three times more length or any kind of computer-generated music. Due to its shortness of just five songs we don’t rate the EP though.
As usual, Chris Maragoth fully abstains from the use of AI in the creation of his music. Every element is written, arranged, recorded and produced by human brain. Otherwise such an authenticity, collaboration, and emotional depth would not be possible.
By the way, do you know, guest vocalist Cherry Summerfield has her own band as well? Check out July15th if you are interested to learn more about her!
Title: Depths of Despair
Genre: Symphonic Metal / Gothic Metal / Melancholic Metal
Label: none – self released
Release: November 21, 2025
Digital only release on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms via: https://album.link/DoD
Tracks:
Depths of Despair (feat. Cherry Summerfield)
Hidden Signs of Sadness (feat. Sanya Smileska)
Looming Evil (feat. Sanya Smileska)
Dance of the Damned (feat. Sanya Smileska)
History On Repeat (feat. Cherry Summerfield)
The official music video of the track “Depths of Despair“ will be released on November 21st on You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisMaragoth
Online:
Please buy merch and physical music or downloads from the bands official sources and don’t stream it for free because it steals your artists’ income.