Mother of Graves - The Periapt Of Absence

 

It feels to me at least that doom metal is finally starting to have a bit of a resurgence. After years where it had disappeared almost entirely from the limelight, the genre seems to once more be capturing the imaginations of fans across the globe with a whole crop of exciting new bands. Perhaps chief among them are the masterful Mother Of Graves. Their new new album, The Periapt Of Absence is doom metal done right. It's epic, sorrowful and strangely beautiful, indicating this is a band who fundamentally understand what makes the genre work. 

Mother Of Graves immaculate blending of funeral doom with more contemporary ideas is deeply compelling. The larger than life melodies and doomed vocals draw you into a unique sound world where Mothers Of Graves are king. There is something utterly undeniable about the minor key threnodies and the scope of the work here. This is a record that understands the magic of doom metal and finds a way to tug at my heart strings the same way Pallbearer did all those years ago when I was first falling in love with the genre. But not only that, The Periapt Of Absence is a clear step forward for Mother Of Graves as a band, doubling down on their early promise and proving that they are a head and shoulders above so many of their peers. 

Ther Periapt Of Absence is a truly great album and a potent statement of what makes doom great in 2024. The performances here are transcendent, beautiful and showcase a deep understanding of all that is doomed that came before, from Black Sabbath and Blue Cheer to Woods of Ypres and Subrosa. Mother Of Graves have gone above and beyond with this release to show they are modern day masters of the craft. It's hard not to be impressed with this large scope and transcendent release. Pre-order it before it drops, you'll be listening a lot. 

Pre-order the album here! 

https://motherofgraves.bandcamp.com/album/the-periapt-of-absence

Absorb - Smog

 

This is a crusher. Absorb are a Canadian sludge doom band whose new EP, Smog is the sound of colossal riffs crashing down around your ears and choking out listeners as they gaze into the void. This is doom metal done right, with a sense of overarching terror and domineering vision that can't help but to keep listeners in awe of the devastation and havoc that they wreak. Absorb are here to break your skull and it's hard not to be enamored with the darkness they conjure on Smog. Let yourself get lost in the misery when this drops on July 26th. After 10 years the band has taken their Primitive Man and Thou inspired sound to a whole new level and you need this in your life! 

Pre-order the album:

https://hypaethralrecords.bandcamp.com/album/smog

Post Death Soundtrack - Veil Lifter

 

For those paying close attention to the Canadian heavy scene for the past we years, Post Death Soundtrack have come to assert themselves as a one of a kind force. Active in some capacity or another since 2008, Post Death Soundtrack is a project that dances across genres, but primarily drawing from the world of industrial and doom metal. Their music has always impressed because of the breadth of the vision. These are songs that reflect an almost Faith No More-esque sense of diversity and drive towards darker pastures than the band ever has before.

There is a wonderful intensity to the bands new album, Veil Lifter. On this record more than any previous the band leans into their thrash and hardcore tendencies, padding out some of the more gloom sodden doom riffs. There is a sense of psychedelia too that permeates so many layers of the record. Songs like "Immovable" use otherworldly elements to create a sense of the surreal throughout Veil Lifter. This is only augmented by the impressive blend of vocal styles and the willingness to bringing in expected influences to craft an ever more diverse and impressive suite of performances that seem to go ever higher, and then drag you to hell. 

Veil Lifter is an impressive, surreal and potent offering. It's a record that showcases some extremely talented musicians unveiling some of their most diverse and devastating works. It's a record that could only be created by musical chameleons. It's a record that demands multiple listens simply because there is so much to sink your teeth into and try to understand from Post Death Soundtrack's multifarious vision. Let yourself get sucked into the magic on Veil Lifter and prepare for transcendent suffocation. This is doom like little else you have heard. 

Grab the album!

https://postdeathsoundtrack.bandcamp.com/album/veil-lifter

Servants To The Tide - Where Time Will Come To Die

Where Time Will Come To Die is a helluva album title. It's a perfect reflection of the music within though. Servants To The Tide first turned head in 2021 with their self titled debut, and this follow up three years later sees the band taking their brand of epic doom metal to bold new heights. The tough edges of the debut have been largely smoothed out and now the band returns with a grandiose sophomore release that showcases all the hard lessons learnt. This is a potent and borderline transcendent record, an album that goes above and beyond, guiding listeners ever deeper into the magic. 

Servants To The Tide shine because they know the exact genre and tropes they are serving and lean into them with aplomb. Tracks like "Towards Zero" feel larger than life and play a part in a larger narrative ranging from the big bang to the slow, painful heat death of the universe. The end result is a record that borders on transcendence and can't help but to thrill. It's a record that will draw you in, even if the band still hasn't outgrown the occasional clunky vocal performance or rough songwriting choice. That being said - for those who love modern epic doom, it's hard not to be impressed with what's been done here and the level of growth the band has shown. 

Let yourself get lost in the doomed reveries of Servants To The Tide and prepare for more wizardry to come from this band. Where Time Will Come To Die is grandiose and dramatic, but you have to applaud its level of ambition. It's a record that leans into so much of what we love about the best doom metal and which gives the band plenty of breathing room to put their own take on things. Servants To The Tide are going to sweep you up and give you a chance to get lost in the magic with them. Be sure to pre-order a copy before it drops next month. 

Pre-order the album! 

https://www.noremorse.gr/products?searching=servants+to+the+tide

Bismarck - Vourukasha

 

Now this one is a stunner. Vourukasha is the third full length from doom metal masters Bismarck. Those familiar with the Bergen scene have known for a while now that Bismarck are onto something special, with their mix of post metal, sludge and doom eagerly embracing a range of other influences in order to craft something potent. This new album though feels like another step up for the band. Vourukasha is the sound of a band driving to new heights, pulling their influences together and doing something greater than the sum of its parts. 

Bismarck shine on this album because it feels like many of the elements that long lingered under the surface of the band have now been fully realized. The riffs have reached a new breadth, and the exotic touches, like elements of Middle Eastern music are given a little more space to breathe. Meanwhile the ambient passages, as on the epic album closer, "Ocean Dweller" feel more articulate than ever before. It's encouraging to see the band able to bring these visions to fruition and guide listeners ever further on their unique quest. This is an album though that allows the band to showcase a dynamic that is starting to reach dizzy new heights. 

Vourukasha is impressive, but it feels like it is only the beginning of the road for Bismarck. This album sees them honing their craft to a fresh polish, but I get the sense that there is a lot more to dig into coming from the band. The wealth of styles they are able to bring together and the Neurosis-esque vision that helps to fuel a lot of their work is mesmerizing. Bismarck are a doom metal fans doom metal band, understanding perfectly the artistry of the genre and what it can be at its highest points. Indulge in the madness and find yourself dragged to hell.

Pre-order the album! 

https://darkessence.indiemerch.com/pre-orders

Ecclesia - Ecclesia Militans

 

Now this is an interesting one. It's extremely rare that a band comes across my radar who list Tony Martin era Black Sabbath as a core influence, but here we are. Ecclesia have been making waves in the world of trad doom for a few years now with their distinctive brand of bombastic and charismatic doom meets classic metal. The music isn't so much worried about being slow as much as it is focused on creating stunning vibes reminiscent of acts like Candlemass. There is something larger than life and endlessly thrilling about this work, and I can't tear myself away. 

Ecclesia Militans thrills because of how dynamic and deeply engaging the songwriting is. These are songs that are written to transcend and to capture the imagination. It's hard not to be thrilled with the magic of these classic witchfinding riffs and the bands distinct obsession with the 80s trad doom titans of yore. The end result is a record that is addictive, endlessly endearing and constantly hinting at bold new futures. This is doom metal done right, with a clear vision and an overarching vibe that is simply undeniable. Of particular note is the guitar playing. Flashy solos on tracks like "Ereptor Verae Fidei" are absolutely mindwarping and a throwback to an earlier time. 

This band could so easily have been just another Ghost clone, but instead Ecclesia work on being something more, something greater. Their sound and aesthetic is immaculate. The vision behind the work is delightfully executed and it's impossible not to be thrilled with the earnestness of the music. Ecclesia Miltans is doom metal for the true devotee, for those who have dug deep into the world of Candlemass and Solstice and come out of it desperately searching for more. Such is the enduring power of doom, such is the power of Ecclesia.

Pre-order the album!

https://ecclesia-official.bandcamp.com/album/ecclesia-militans

The Oldest House - A Worm Through Time

The Oldest House is a fascinating sludge/doom solo project from A.M the enigmatic frontperson of one of my favorite acts, Aversio Humanitatis. This solo record an absolutely monolithic and borderline terrifying effort that leans into many of the darkest sides of the genre with its multifarious and weird compositions, visionary songwriting and overarching sense of torment, guaranteed to keep listeners glued to their seats. Through it all though there remain enough musical surprises to make this more than 'just another' doom/sludge record but instead an album that seems to claw at the soul.  

What impresses with The Oldest House is their ability to color a downtrodden doom metal style with other genres, be it the weirdly post punk bridge of "Interdimensional Mold" or the open throated chanting of "The Painting On The Wall". It's a really rewarding listen for anyone who has delved deep into the compositions here and it is a fitting reminder of the power of the underground. It's hard not to be enamored with a record that is both as intensely personal but also as capable of crafting vast sonic landscapes. 

The Oldest House is at it's best when A.M is decorating the sludge/doom core of the record with influences from other genres. No one needs to listen to this record to just 'zone out out the riffs bro'. A Worm Through Time is much more an album about experiencing apocalyptic, world ending suffering. If you're looking from a truly doomed release that seems certain to drag you deep into the depths of hell and force you to choke upon the bitter sulfur of our unfortunate unreality, then A Worm Through Time is the album for you. 

Pre-order the album! 

https://i-voidhangerrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-worm-through-time

Madder Mortem - Old Eyes, New Heart

Darkly ambitious, psychedelic, and in many ways timeless, the music of Madder Mortem is a fascinating document of a Norwegian group who have found a way to launch themselves into a league of their own. This is artsy progressive metal done right. Old Eyes, New Heart elegantly uses a thoughtful range of influences and ideas in order to craft a record that is ambitious exciting, and indicative of a band who still have many ideas to share with the world as they continue to grow and bring their art to bold and strange new heights. 

Old Eyes, New Heart is striking because of how talented the members of this group clearly are. At any given point you'll be charmed by larger than life vocal performances, thrilling jazz bass lines or off kilter guitar chords that speak to true musical mastery. Such is the enduring power of Old Eyes, New Heart and the vision that Madder Mortem are bringing to the table. Their ability to dance between these ideas, from raging metal to thoughtful prog is delightful. Rather than sounding like a hodge podge of sounds, they present the band as something much more grandiose, exciting and oddly beautiful. Perfect Sunday afternoon listening. 

Madder Mortem can't help but to impress. This is a record that perfectly embodies everything that is interesting, inspiring and thought provoking within the Norwegian progressive metal scene. It's a record that leaps from peak to peak and leaves you desperate to hear more from the band. Madder Mortem have gone above and beyond here and Old Eyes, New Heart is guaranteed to leave listeners in awe, curious and desperately digging ever deeper to find new layers in what they have been able to create for all of us.

Pre-order the album!

https://maddermortem.bandcamp.com/album/old-eyes-new-heart

Godthrymm - Distortions

 

Godthrymm impressed us all in 2020 with their debut full length Reflections. Featuring Shaun Taylor-Steels and Hamish Glencross of My Dying Bride fame, their trad doom aesthetic was eerie and powerful. Now the band is back with Distortions, augmented by the inimitable Catherine Glencross who brings her vocals and keyboard work to round out the album and leave listeners in awe of the doomed ministrations that have come to shape this band. Distortions is an absolute jaw dropper, an art doom masterpiece that is sure to entrance.

With Distortions Godthrymm are able to use heaviness as a way to entrance and seduce listeners into falling in love with what's been crafted here. The massive guitar harmonies and crushing bottom end trudge forward, entrancing listeners with the breadth of their compositions and the elegant beauty of their performances. Distortions is an album that consistently proves just how deep and interesting Godthrymm's body of work can be. It's hard not to be enamored with the larger than life poetry of what's being accomplished with this album. Godthrymm have found a way to cultivate and expand their sound to bold new heights time and time again. 

Doom metal is so rarely transcendent and stately these days, two elements that contibuted greatly to the rise of My Dying Bride. Godthrymm is able to take this stately doom metal sound in a fresh new direction and leave listeners enamored. It's the sort of thing that made people love Subrosa, or more recently bands like Tribunal. Distortions is a stunner and it hints at so much more to come. As the band evolves I think they are only going to become all the more impressive, and what more could you want from a doom band in 2023?

Pre-order the album!

https://godthrymmdoom.bandcamp.com/album/distortions

Mournful Congregation - The Exuviae of Gods – Part II

 

Man - Mournful Congregation releases on back to back years? How lucky are we? With The Exuviae Of Gods - Part II Mournful Congregation prove once more that they are the masters of funeral doom for a reason. THis is a record that transcends sorrow and proves that this band is not just the real deal, but a one of a kind product that will never be fully emulated by anyone else. This offering builds on all those classic Mournful Congregation elements we know and love, but eagerly unpacks many of the layers of darkness that make it all so addictive.

It's hard not to get lost in the crushingly slow, but wonderfully ominous momentum that defines the work of Mournful Congregation. Though these songs may crawl forward they carry an immense emotional weight and the sheer volume that comes cascading down as they unleash sadness upon the listeners is hard to deny. As I sit here a couple of listens deep I find it hard not to be moved. They have found a potent portal off sorrow in their minor key melodies and heart rending visions that take you crawling to the abyss. This album continues to lean into the groups distinctive sound and speak to just how talented they remain to be.

The Exuviae Of Gods - Part II reflects on moving vertiable mountains of sorrow, massive soundworlds that just crush the soul and speak to new levels of darkness in ways that Mournful Congregation has done for years now. They understand the power of this genre fundamentally and it's hard not to be enamored with the darkness that they conjure up here. It's a sound world that is wholly their own, beautiful and gorgeously produced, one you can get lost in and one that is going to consistently show listeners to find the magic in waves of sadness. 

Pre-order the album!

https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/album/the-exuviae-of-gods-part-ii

Sunrot - The Unfailing Rope

10 years is a long time to be doing anything. Especially something as challenging as crafting unrelenting and skull shattering sludge metal. Yet, Sunrot are still out here doing it, forcing listeners to confront their inner struggles and cracking skulls with a sound that is unrelenting, terrifying and louder than ever. Their new album, The Unfailing Rope is an absolute crusher, an offering that unflinchingly addresses trauma, both mental and physical, but which also shows listeners that despite all the loss, there still is a place for joy. 

The Unfailing Rope is stunning in its overarching vision. From the opening cries of "Trepanation" it's immediately clear that Sunrot have taken a huge step forward. While they've been busy in the 6 years since their debut full length releasing an EP, a single and a pair of splits, it's certainly refreshing to hear Sunrot taking advantage of the LP format. It allows them to take you on more of a journey and for listeners to find a more absolute sense of catharsis as they really start to dig into the sorrow that they portray. The end result is music that feels larger than life, and is not a little bit terrifying in its honesty and scope. 

Sunrot have captured the sound of your life crashing down around you and the feeling that no matter what you do things aren't going to be ok. It's a level of reality that is all too familiar for most of us and which is actively uncomfortable to have to experience. Sunrot understand the crippling sorrow that they have painted and provide solace as we look for our own answers in this imperfect world. What's been accomplished here is anxious, doomed and absolutely devastating. They've taken their music to bold new places and I am more enamored than ever before. 

Pre-order the album!

https://sunrot.bandcamp.com/album/the-unfailing-rope

Woe Unto Me - Along The Meandering Ordeals, Reshape The Pivot Of Harmony

This is a crusher. The world of melodic doom metal has been in an interesting state of flux lately. It feels like the endless waves of Orange Amp using, Les Paul wielding bands are finally starting to fade away and more stately, classic feeling doom is coming back to the fore. such is the case with Woe Is Me, whose new album Along The Meandering Ordeals, Reshape The Pivot Of Harmony (Say that 3 times fast!) is an old school crusher that is transcendent in its power and mystical in the vision that it brings to the table for eager listeners. 

Along The Meandering Ordeals, Reshape The Pivot Of Harmony impresses because of how massive these songs feel. A track like "Mired Down In The Innermost Thicket" fills every one of its twelve minutes with sumptuous art doom. that has clear momentum, potent harmonies and guitar melodies that are to die for. Rather than falling victim to easy tropes or trying to be 'meditative' Woe Unto Me find a way to make their brand of doom especially crushing and just a little bit terrifying. There is an existential sorrow that fuels the band and makes this album a particularly compelling one, a record that seems to eagerly press into the breach and charm listeners. 

Woe Unto Me have distilled the magic of a very particular era of doom, the period when bands like Pallbearer and Subrosa were really at their peak, and turned it into something larger than life. Along The Meandering Ordeals, Reshape The Pivot Of Harmony adds to this legacy and speaks to all that doom metal can still be. In a soundworld shaped by crushing riffs and grandiose visions, Woe Unto Me are like few others with a vision that is potent and endlessly charming. This is a record that I could see resonating for fans of Yob and Woods of Ypres for years to come!

Pre-order the album!

https://woeuntome.bandcamp.com/album/along-the-meandering-ordeals-reshape-the-pivot-of-harmony

The Evil - Seven Acts To Apocalypse

 

Osmose PRoductions is not a label often known for releasing stately doom rock, but when it's truly excellent as The Evil is, then it makes sense they would veer from their traditional left hand path of black metal. Seven Acts To Apocalypse is a monolithic doom album very much in the vein of bands like The Devil's Blood or Witch Mountain. Featuring former Sarcofago (and Sepultura!) vocalist Wagner Antichrist on guitars, it's easy to see why fans of the underground have become so entranced with what The Evil bring to the table. 

Seven Acts To Apocalypse frequently leans into a Sabbathian crunch and charms listeners with larger than life compositions. This is a record that shows a band who understand dooom metal in a fundamental way and who lure listeners in with the dynamic contrast of angelic soaring vocals and bottom dwelling buluesy riffs. The end result is a record that speaks to the soul and acts as a fitting testament to the larger than life ministrations and bombast of singer Mistres Wournos as she leads the band over a sea of cascading riffs and allows them to really fall in love with the laid back assault and transcendent poetry of what's being done here. 

The Evil have crafted the sort of stately doom that can't help but to fascinate. It's aware of its own beauty and has a living breathing magic of its own. These are songs that give the listener space to find their own groove and to fall in love with the transcendent poetry of what has been crafted. Seven Acts To Apocalypse may not be breaking any new ground, but it is an excellent testament to the bands influences and eagerly delves into darker pastures that can't help but to thrill and fascinate old school fans. Lose yourself in the crush.

Pre-order the album!

https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/album/seven-acts-to-apocalypse

The Abbey - Word Of Sin

 

When The Abbey burst onto the scene a few months ago the community seemed intrigued. On the one hand it felt like the band was building on the work of Ghost, but on the other their sound was something truly different. Now that I've heard their debut album, Word Of Sin I've come to realize that the truth is somewhere in the middle. This is a really fantastic record, and it certainly seems to be cut from the same sonic cloth as Ghost, but the doomed wizardry behind it makes it more than just talented sycophants aping their heroes. 

Word Of Sin is transcendent at best, with interlocking guitar lines and poetic choruses coming together to fascinate listeners and leave us in awe as the band leaps from peak to peak. Meanwhile the songwriting has some truly massive hooks and potent sonic explorations that will keep listeners engaged. A lot of this benefits from some truly excellent production which can't help but to lure you into the multifarious layers of sonic sorcery. The Abbey have crafted something endlessly impressive with this offering. It's an album that really leans into the larger than life magic that doom metal can have. The end result is something bombastic and endlessly exciting. 

The Abbey may be categorized by some as mere Ghost-worship, but there is something different here, something that feels older and far more evil. This is a band who have the songwriting chops to craft anthems but who are clearly much more comfortable with something that feels a little less Broadway and a little more evil. Rather than winding up as one of countless imitators, The Abbey have found a way to build on popular sounds and force listeners to come to terms with the power of what has been presented here. 

Pre-order the album!

https://shopusa.season-of-mist.com/band/the-abbey

Katatonia - Sky Void Of Stars

 

Now this is a stunner. Katatonia's late period renaissance has been fairly remarkable, but it feels like Sky Void Of Stars is on a whole new level. Some of the bands strongest work to date, this is a record that demands the listener immerses themselves fully in the grandiose and larger than life magic of what they have created here. Building on their cleaner 'new era' material, the band has found a way to prove once more that they are among the greatest to ever do it. It's hard not to fall in love with the transcendence they've crafted. 

Katatonia have long since proven themselves to be on a different level than their peers. This music though seems to put them on a deeper level of emotional resonance. Not only that, but this album manages to impress because of its gorgeous production and larger than life vision. The way it's presented throughout, with bombastic compositions, massive choruses and transcendent visions leaves fans like me in awe of what more is to come from these old school kings of the doom metal genre. It's rare that you find a band who are able to keep putting album of the year level content more than thirty years into their career - but here we are. 

And I mean that by the way - Sky Void Of Stars almost certainly is going to dominate year end lists. It's an album that is resonant and powerful in a way that few of the bands peers can really match up too. You're going to lose yourself in this record from the second you turn it on. It's simply so massive in scope and offers so much to the devout listener trying to really grasp the vision that they have laid out on this most impressive of albums. Letting yourself get lost in the darkness is only going to keep you coming back in awe.

Pre-order the album!

https://lnk.to/KAT-SkyVoidOfStars

Tribunal - The Weight Of Remembrance

 

Tribunal are a remarkable gothic doom band out of Vancouver on 20 Buck Spin. Their new record, The Weight Of Remembrance is a truly impressive offering full of stately riffs, larger than life compositions, gorgeous sonic triumphs and a sense of bombast that can't help but to fascinate even the most devout listeners. The duo of cellist/bassist/vocalist Soren Mourne (Mourne is a great name for a doom metal artist, just saying) and guitarist/vocalist Etienne Flinn leads to shockingly rewarding music. Tribunal is impressive because of the breadth of what they have crafted.

One of the first things that will resonate with you about this project is simply how good the production is. The Weight of Rememberance is allowed to shine because the mixes are gorgeous and the thru line of the whole album is clear. It's a record that leans into a My Dying Bride-esque heaviness and a truly crushing portrayal of modern life architecture. The unending sorrow that the band leans into is visceral and powerful. This feels like a noble continuation to the previous generation of art doom bands, bands like Subrosa and Woods of Ypres. There is a real sense of sorrow here and a vision behind the execution that has me excited to learn more and really sink my teeth into the vision that the band has brought us all in on. It's triumphant. 

This is a record that is borderline transcendent at best, and deeply thrilling at worst. It's an album that shows a deep understanding of generations of doom metal to come before and reminds us that there can still be some truly beautiful and enthralling moments in this music. The Weight Of Remembrance is a weighty offering, and one that is going to keep fans of the underground buzzing when it comes out next year. There is a lot to really think about and immerse yourself in with this band, and the more that they seem capable of pushing towards gorgeous new heights, the more I want to dig in.

Pre-order the album!

https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/album/the-weight-of-remembrance

Ahab - The Coral Tombs

 

Ahab are back after eight long years of silence. This new offering The Coral Tombs sees the band continuing their trends of nautical doom metal and capturing the imagination with potent songwriting, heartfelt performances and stunning execution. It's hard not to be thrilled by the breadth and magic of what The Coral Tombs represents to listeners. It's doom metal done right, with a sense of bombast and grandiosity that can't help but to thrill. This is a group executing at the top of their game and leaving us all in awe. 

There are so many gorgeous layers to this album. The band stays true to their classic formula, but the truly emotional vocal performances and the dynamic songwriting is really entrancing. Songs like "Aegri Somnia" are veritable transcendent journeys that leave you in awe. The emotional depth and resonance of what is being done across these compositions is fascinating and speaks to the skill these guys bring to the table as composers. There is simply so much to fall in love with and the bands versatility is on full display on this record. Hearing them elegantly splay out these potent offerings and leave us in awe is thrilling. It's what makes this music so fascinating. 

The Coral Tombs is a stunner and a very early front runner for best doom metal album of 2023. The band has carved out something unique and emotionally resonant. These threnodies are practically dirges and guaranteed to leave you in awe. The way that Ahab are able to craft stories and take you on a journey across massive swells of music is truly exciting. This is doom metal done right, with a sense of its own epic nature and guaranteed to leave you curious to delve ever deeper into what is being done by the masters of it all. 

Pre-order the album!

https://ahab.bandcamp.com/album/the-coral-tombs

Barabbas - La Mort Appelle Tous Les Vivants

 

Now this is an interesting one. Barabbas are a French doom metal band very much obsessed with the genres twisted and often bizarre old school. Leaning deep into the influence of bands like Witchfinder General, their new album, La Mort Appelle Tous Les Vivants is a wonderfully freaky metal record that so many devotees of the underground find endlessly addictive and wonderfully fascinating. This is a record that moves things to the next level time and time again, fascinating listeners with the twisted depths of the performances. 

This is a record that above all else feels old. It's a record that I think puts the band in sort of a league of their own, at least in the modern sense. The retro vibes and atavistic production lead listeners to lose themselves in the pummeling riffs and wonderfully dry mix. While there certainly are a few very 2022 touches, as a rule the band seems happy to slow down heavy riffs and inspire with bluesy licks. The end result is something that feels strangely familiar but which is a potent blend of ideas for those of us who are in love with the 80s doom scene. The focus here is very much on a vintage vibe that few of the bands peers can really evoke. 

La Mort Appelle Tous Les Vivants is a gloriously doomed listen. It's a record that is unapologetic in its retro nature and one that will speak to the blackened souls of devout fans of the genre. Barabbas have managed to delve into something oddly relatable and wonderfully addictive. It's a record that will inspire with images of thunder and lightning, doomed realities that keep listeners coming back, curious to understand more about this bleak reality that they so eagerly paint for us time and time again. This is true doom metal, turn it up. 

Pre-order the album!

https://sleepingchurchrecords.bandcamp.com/album/la-mort-appelle-tous-les-vivants

The Skyspeakers - Echo Hall

 

Indianapolis has one of the more interesting heavy music scenes in Pethe country. There are so many good bands emerging from the region and a community that seems genuinely supportive. So much of this is captured in Echo Hall the dynamic debut from The Skyspeakers. A record that defies easy genre categorization other than 'heavy', The Skyspeakers layer male and female vocals, sludgy riffs and creative use of saxophone and synths to create something that is wholly their own. It's a unique offering quite unlike anything else going on in heavy music right now. 

While this is very clearly a debut and some ideas are being worked out still, the overall vision behind The Skyspeakers is incredible sound and speaks to their overarching skill as songwriters. There's something really charming and powerful about bands with unique lineups, especially when they really seek to integrate the different unique elements rather than being 'doom metal, but this time with saxophone!' like so many of their peers. When listening to Echo Hall listeners really get a sense for just how talented the individual musicians in The Skyspeakers are. Be it on the singalong magic of the album opener "Learn To Feel" or the more ambient stuff on "Ghost House" there is a clear dynamic behind the music that makes it addictive. 

Echo Hall is a really powerful and interesting offering. It's a record that is going to thrill listeners of all stripes and once which hints at so much more to come. Personally I'm very excited to dive once more into what The Skyspeakers are doing when new material is read.y AS for now, this is a really unique band gracing the heavy scene with a vision that is different but never too artsy. Rather it's a sumptuous offering that fits in nicely next to high concept doom metal without ever really straying into the genre. Press play - it's an intriguing listen.

Buy the album!

https://theskyspeakers.bandcamp.com/album/echo-hall

Spiritus Mortis - The Great Seal

 

I'm not going to lie - I was skeptical about a Spiritus Mortis record without Albert Witchfinder. Yet, by some blessed miracle, Spiritus Mortis's first new record in 6 years, The Great Seal is an absolute banger. It hints at a bold new future for the band full of epic doom wizardry and mind melting riffs. This is an album that is going to leave you in awe and which consistently points towards our shared doom. As bombastic and potent as ever, Spiritus Mortis have found a way to once more prove that they are among the greatest to ever do it. 

As a general rule the performances on The Great Seal are among Spiritus Mortis's best ever. Tracks like "Feast Of The Lord" are vintage Spiritus Mortis, full of neo-Christian imagery and dark themes. The album close "Are You A Witch" is perhaps the best example of this with the same sort of Puritan iconography that made the bands classic work so engaging. When it comes to epic doom metal done in the grand old style ,few execute with the consistency and larger than life vision that Spiritus Mortis so eagerly bring to the table. AS much as there is a cheese factor for a lot of this, it's hard not to be thrilled by what the band has executed. 

I am deeply in love with what has been done on The Great Seal. It's a record that takes you back in time and speaks to a doom metal sound that will have adherents until the end of time. Regressive, bleak and endlessly fascinating, Spiritus Mortis have always been a band apart. This latest offering is just another step on their doomed journey and is guaranteed to keep listeners coming back, thrilled by the dynamic power of a band who refuse to step down but instead build on a grand vision of a future that their peers could only dream of. 

Pre-order the album now!

https://spiritusmortis.bandcamp.com/album/the-great-seal