The landscape of gothic doom metal is abuzz with the unexpected return of Aaron Stainthorpe, the iconic frontman of MY DYING BRIDE, following his unceremonious dismissal from the band he co-founded and led for 35 years in 2025. Stainthorpe has re-emerged at the helm of TOWARDS THE SINISTER, a new musical endeavor that not only marks his personal comeback but also signifies a profound reunion of key architects from MY DYING BRIDE’s formative and critically acclaimed era. The project features three of his former bandmates: guitarist Calvin Robertshaw, bassist Ade Jackson, and drummer Rick Miah. This formidable lineup is further augmented by second guitarist Chris Revett, keyboardist Mark Deeks, and violinist Emma Allington. Their collective stated intention is to faithfully resurrect and pay homage to the utterly dark, dreary, and miserable doom metal that defined MY DYING BRIDE’s seminal first four studio albums. The immediate future for TOWARDS THE SINISTER includes a series of intimate warm-up performances across their native England, with a broader European festival circuit slated for the upcoming summer.
The Genesis of a Gothic Reckoning
The formation of TOWARDS THE SINISTER represents a significant convergence of talent, bringing together individuals instrumental in crafting the mournful atmosphere that cemented MY DYING BRIDE’s status as pioneers of the death-doom genre. The ensemble comprises Stainthorpe himself, alongside founding MY DYING BRIDE members Robertshaw and Miah, and original bassist Jackson. Their repertoire will draw heavily from the band’s early, groundbreaking releases, including the landmark albums "As The Flower Withers," "Turn Loose The Swans," "The Angel And The Dark River," and "Like Gods Of The Sun." This reunion offers a rare and compelling opportunity for fans to witness the very musicians who penned and performed these iconic tracks return to the songs that established MY DYING BRIDE as an enduring and influential force in gothic doom metal.
Stainthorpe, in an exclusive interview with BLABBERMOUTH.NET, detailed the organic and somewhat serendipitous path that led to TOWARDS THE SINISTER’s formation. "I’ve not seen Calvin, Rick or Ade for a decade," he explained, reflecting on the intervening years. "They don’t live a million miles away. I ran into Calvin a couple of times at a festival in Scarborough up the northeast coast called Fortress Fest. I bumped into him a couple of times there, but that’s really about it." The catalyst for renewed contact, however, was directly linked to his departure from MY DYING BRIDE. "It was only when, I think, MY DYING BRIDE issued this statement ‘firing’ me that these guys came out of the shadows with loads of support, which was wonderful. It was great to hear from them."
The initial reconnection was informal, a casual gathering of old friends. "They suggested, ‘Let’s get together for a drink for old times’ sake.’ We met in a pub," Stainthorpe recounted. The reunion wasn’t solely limited to the core trio; former MY DYING BRIDE violinist Martin Powell and Dave Pybus, formerly of ANATHEMA and a figure within Peaceville Records, also joined the gathering. "We all had a really good catch-up. It was great fun. This was in October of last year. We didn’t discuss anything about reforming."
The seeds of TOWARDS THE SINISTER were sown not through direct musical ambition but through a shared nostalgia and the unexpected amplification of public interest. "We took a photo of all of us. I popped it on the socials, and that got people talking. And that got us talking. Honestly, we were talking about the old times. The ridiculous times. We did this festival, we did that gig, we got drunk here, we fell over there. It was brilliant. Then we were complaining about arthritic knees and all that stuff." The online buzz was palpable. "The Internet sort of decided, ‘I wonder if they’re getting together?’"
This external speculation spurred further internal dialogue. "I got messages from Rick and Calvin, saying, ‘Should we have another get-together and discuss what the Internet is discussing?’ I said, ‘All right. Why not?’ We got together, and after a few more drinks, we sort of thought about the idea." Stainthorpe emphasized the collective nature of the initiative. "No single person instigated it. As I said, I think the Internet instigated it. We mulled it over. Could we pull it off? Do we want to, more importantly?" The passion for performance was evident, particularly from Miah. "Rick was so keen to get behind the drum kit. Chomping at the bit, really. It’s been a long time for him." Robertshaw’s prior musical activities were also noted. "Calvin has had his own project, MANY SUFFER, which is great." The core motivation, however, was a deep-seated connection to their shared creative past. "You’ve got to remember: We, back when we were kids, helped write those early MY DYING BRIDE albums. We’re on them. We penned them. And we thought, ‘Yeah, let’s play them again.’"
A Faithful Re-Examination of Early Masterpieces
The thematic and sonic focus of TOWARDS THE SINISTER is unequivocally on the first four albums of MY DYING BRIDE’s discography. This deliberate choice underscores the band’s commitment to celebrating the specific era that many fans and critics consider the zenith of their early output. "It will be material from the first four albums," Stainthorpe confirmed. "That’s the songs these guys wrote. They’re not interested in performing songs they didn’t help write." He elaborated on the significance of this period: "It’s the first four-album period, which we’ll concentrate on and which is the best period, according to the fans. I don’t see it myself; I’ve been writing MY DYING BRIDE songs for years and years. The rest of the boys, they’re not interested in playing stuff they didn’t write. The focus is the first four."
The band intends to perform a curated selection of their most beloved tracks. "We’ll do all of the classics. Obviously, we can’t do them all at the same time, but we have a decent setlist. You know what it’s like: There will be people in the audience screaming for songs that aren’t in the setlist, but they will be the next time we come around. We plan to play as many of them as we can, even some that have never been played live. We’re going to look into all of them." This dedication to deep cuts and previously unperformed material suggests a profound respect for the original works and a desire to offer fans a truly comprehensive experience.
The Shadow of the Past and the Light of New Creation
While the immediate objective of TOWARDS THE SINISTER is to revisit and recontextualize the classic MY DYING BRIDE material, the prospect of new music looms. Stainthorpe indicated that original compositions are indeed on the horizon, driven by the prolific songwriting of Calvin Robertshaw. "Yes, there will be new material," he stated. "Calvin never stops writing. I think he’s working on his second MANY SUFFER album, but he has written some stuff that won’t fit with MANY SUFFER but will work with us."
The stylistic direction of this new material is expected to align with the ethos of TOWARDS THE SINISTER, while potentially incorporating elements that distinguish it from MY DYING BRIDE’s later works. "I don’t think MANY SUFFER is a great deal like MY DYING BRIDE; it’s certainly more death metal," Stainthorpe observed. "You have to remember, MY DYING BRIDE did a lot of death metal. It wasn’t all doom. A lot of that was Calvin’s riffs." He confirmed that Robertshaw has already presented potential new songs. "We’ve got some new stuff. Like, a couple of songs that Calvin’s mooted to us, saying, ‘Would these work?’ They’re definitely going to work." However, the band is adopting a patient approach to releasing new material. "But we’re not in any rush to do that."
The Official Departure from MY DYING BRIDE
The formation of TOWARDS THE SINISTER occurs in the wake of a significant and publicly documented split between Aaron Stainthorpe and MY DYING BRIDE. In October 2025, the band officially announced their parting of ways with Stainthorpe, a decision that followed less than a year after they had enlisted vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN) to front the band for live appearances commencing in 2025.
At the time of the announcement, MY DYING BRIDE issued a statement addressing the dissolution of their partnership with Stainthorpe. The statement conveyed the gravity of the decision: "Please understand that this decision does not come lightly, hence our initial and painful silence while we gathered our thoughts and carefully considered our response to the disengaged, eerily abandoned state we suddenly found ourselves in." The band further elaborated on their rationale, emphasizing the need for forward momentum. "Our collective decision to move forward without him is not something we thought we would ever be forced to say, but to ensure a continued legacy for what we hold dear to our hearts, we simply have to move past this. Whilst change can be difficult, we are doing our best to bring this new chapter forward with powerful positivity."
This official statement from MY DYING BRIDE offers a glimpse into the internal dynamics that led to Stainthorpe’s departure, framing it as a difficult but necessary step for the band’s continued existence and artistic integrity. The phrase "disengaged, eerily abandoned state" suggests a perceived lack of commitment or presence from Stainthorpe, prompting the remaining members to seek a new direction.
Broader Context and Fan Reception
Aaron Stainthorpe’s most recent studio output with MY DYING BRIDE was the album "A Mortal Binding," released in April 2024 via Nuclear Blast Records, featuring his vocals prominently. Concurrently, Stainthorpe had been actively involved in another musical project, HIGH PARASITE, which released its debut album, "Forever We Burn," in September 2024 through Candlelight/Spinefarm. This album was produced by Gregor Mackintosh, a notable figure in the gothic metal scene from PARADISE LOST. The existence of these concurrent projects prior to his departure from MY DYING BRIDE might offer further context to the band’s stated reasons for moving forward independently.
The news of TOWARDS THE SINISTER has undoubtedly resonated with the dedicated fanbase of MY DYING BRIDE. The band’s early albums are revered for their raw emotional intensity and pioneering sound, often cited as foundational texts in the doom metal canon. The opportunity to witness the original architects of this sound perform these specific songs live is a prospect eagerly anticipated by many. The internet’s role in catalyzing this reunion, as described by Stainthorpe, highlights the power of online communities in fostering and shaping musical narratives.
The emergence of TOWARDS THE SINISTER is more than just a new band; it represents a deliberate act of sonic archeology, aimed at unearthing and re-examining the very foundations of a genre. By focusing on the first four albums, Stainthorpe and his former colleagues are not merely rehashing the past but are actively engaging with the creative spirit and melancholic essence that defined a pivotal era of gothic doom metal. The project’s success will likely hinge on its ability to capture the authentic atmosphere of those early recordings while also offering a fresh perspective on their enduring legacy, potentially paving the way for new explorations into the abyss of sonic despair. The inclusion of new material suggests a forward-looking approach, ensuring that TOWARDS THE SINISTER is not solely a retrospective tribute but a living, evolving entity. The ramifications of this reunion extend beyond the immediate fan base, potentially reigniting interest in the classic MY DYING BRIDE sound and inspiring a new generation of musicians to delve into the profound depths of doom metal.
