Memento Mori

by Depeche Mode

Depeche Mode have done it again. With Memento Mori, they deliver an album that is surprisingly strong and proves they’ve lost none of their brilliance over the years. It’s a mature work that feels incredibly cohesive and well-balanced – accessible, yes, but in the best way possible. There’s not a single misstep, nothing jarring or out of place, just music that captivates and resonates deeply.

This album carries a particular weight, as it’s the first release following the passing of founding member Andy Fletcher in 2022. His absence is profoundly felt, but Memento Mori is not a record of mourning; it’s a celebration of resilience and creativity, a tribute to a legacy that continues to thrive. You can sense Fletcher’s spirit woven into the music, as the remaining members have crafted something that honors their past while moving boldly into the future.

From the very first notes, Memento Mori brings to mind the best moments of Violator. That blend of dark atmospherics and hypnotic melodies is back – a hallmark of Depeche Mode’s sound. Yet, this album is far from a simple rehash of past glories. Instead, it embraces those iconic qualities, builds on them, and crafts a timeless sound that will appeal to both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

Some tracks echo the anthemic grandeur of Music for the Masses. The melodies are expansive, the choruses unforgettable, and yet the songs retain that unmistakable Depeche Mode melancholy, which feels simultaneously heavy and weightless. The production is particularly impressive, seamlessly balancing minimalistic touches with moments of lush, sweeping grandeur – a nod to their roots while forging something distinctly new.

The maturity of Memento Mori also recalls the emotional depth of Some Great Reward. While that album marked a turning point for the band, transforming them from synthpop icons to a serious musical force, Memento Mori reflects decades of growth. The lyrics are introspective, thoughtful, and deeply moving, often touching on themes that feel almost spiritual in their depth and resonance.

This is an album that doesn’t rely on bold experiments because it doesn’t need to. Instead, it shines through its clarity, its atmosphere, and its ability to immediately immerse you in Depeche Mode’s world. It might lack the raw, avant-garde edge of Black Celebration – though I’ll definitely revisit that masterpiece soon – but it delivers a listening experience so complete and fulfilling that it’s a testament to the band’s enduring relevance and artistry.

Memento Mori is not a nostalgic look backward but a triumphant statement: Depeche Mode are not only still here, but they’re as vital and irreplaceable as ever. This album is destined to endure – a stunning reminder that their best moments may not be behind them, but rather, always ahead. Andy Fletcher would be proud. 🫶