In the mid 90's My Dying Bride were the best band in the world, and definitely my favourite band. Albums like 'Turn Loose the Swans', 'The Angel and the Dark River' and 'Like Gods of the Sun' contain some of the most incredibly emotional music ever produced.
Then they lost Calvin Robertshaw, Martin Powell and the violin...
This was the turning point. Sure, 'The Dreadful Hours' is ok, but it seems so contrived and fake compared to the earlier stuff. There doesn't seem to be anything 'special' about the album. In fact, at times it's almost as if they're going through their paces.
The title track is great, and 'A Cruel Taste of Winter' is pretty good, but I have to stand with the other guys/girls who prefer their older stuff.
It was pretty obvious after the outcry surrounding '34.788%.... Complete' that the only reason they made 'TLatEotW' and subsequently 'TDH' is because they wanted to please their fans, instead of pushing themselves.
And The Dreadful Hours is nothing like the masterpiece 'Turn Loose the Swans'. The difference in quality between these albums borders on the laughable.
As for people who are unsure who Lee B is, just check the liner notes of any Opeth and Emperor album to see his name. He used to run Candlelight Records as far as I know.. and HE'S THE MAN!!