Nangilima - The Dark Matter

"The Matter of Monotomy"


Nangilima. A death/doom band with members from Sweden, Bulgaria and Spain finally released their debut album. I discovered these guys when they released their first single called Thanatos, I loved it and hoped the band would build upon that for their full album. Now it's time to see if they did just that.

There is a short answer for this. Do you want it? Of course you do. The short answer is no, and now we take a look into why that is. Let's begin with the line-up because there's been some changes on that front. On the Thanatos single, Nangilima consisted of Emilio on vocals and C.L. was handling all instruments. That's changed in the likes of C.L. being replaced by Nikolay Velev on guitar, bass and keys. And then Khalvst who's doing programming and keys as well.
The Dark Matter is a concept album about a man who finds out that his life is coming to an end. The album then takes you through four seasons ultimately leading to the characters death in the outro. However there was supposed to be another track on the album but it was omitted as the guitar/bassist, Amarok left the band. That track is Fractions of a Shattered Soul and was released as a single only and in my opinion it was not a good decision to omit that track from The Dark Matter. Together with Thanatos, those two tracks reign among their best so far because of the variation they feature both when it comes to the music and vocals.

Negativity aside there's definitely good things to take from this debut album. The drums sounds better than ever and I have to address a special kudos to Khalvst for the amazing keyboard work. Overall the production is without a doubt better than before and that does help the band a lot and move them away from the demo sound. Throughout the album I do however feel there's too much emphasis on the doom element and not enough on the death element that's been tagged into their genre. When I think death/doom bands like Asphyx comes to my mind. Combine that with Nangilima's two first singles and I must admit I did have some expectations for this record and they were not met. It feels like they confined themselves into this little doom metal box and don't want to break out of it - or maybe that's what they wanted to put forth the atmosphere they feel they needed for this concept album. My problem with that is that throughout 42 minutes of listening it's just slow paced all the way and they never rise from the second track, Stains of a Broken Life, which is the best track on the album. The rest of the tracks follows the same path, same recipe, same gear and it doesn't really makes me want to listen to the record again, it simply lacks the really memorable songs.

The album lacks what their two first singles had. The variation in music and vocals. Changing into a higher tempo and changing into more black metal-focused vocals but that's never really present in the same way. After Stains of a Broken Life I think the keyboard is out-doing the other instruments as they simply don't bring the same performance. In spite of all this, I'm going to look forward to their next record anyway. I don't believe they will write the same album twice and I really want to hear more of that fantastic keyboard work. I'd recommend this to the real doom metal doomoholics. If you're missing a doom emphasized album with great atmosphere and hard hits then this is definitely for you. I'd simply wish I was one of them.

Rating

7.0

Yob - Clearing the Path to Ascend

"The Path is Cleared... and I am Ascending"


I first discovered Yob, when I heard the album, Atma, in 2011, the album got recommended to me by a friend, since I was just getting into the whole doom metal genre back then (which is coincidentally now my favorite metal genre there is). First going into it I had no idea what to expect when I first put the record on the vinyl player. I thought it was just your run-of-the-mill doom metal. But, oh my, I was wrong, by the end of the record, my whole body was blown away, the only thing that was left were my feet. So understandably, when I heard Yob was releasing a new album, I was so excited I shat my pants. And when I first listened to Clearing the Path to Ascend, I shat my pants so hard it made me fly through the roof, no exaggeration... (okay, maybe a little exaggeration.)

It all begins with ''In Our Blood''. It starts with a watery guitar intro, and you just wait... just wait for that glorious moment when guitar, bass and drums all hit in at the same time, and the waiting is worth your while. It sends cold chills my spine every time I hear it. And when the wet, reverb-filled vocals begins, you know you have come to the right place. It falls fits together really well and sends your mind to a place above the skies.

The entire album is an ode to all that is slow and heavy. The production is damp, like the weather before a thunderstorm, and features a prominent bass (played by Aaron Rieseberg) which makes the music massive and entrancing. The drums are slow and trudging, they almost feels intimidating, like an elephant is on a rampage and out to get you. The snaredrum has a nice bang-sound, which I like, it makes you feel like you have been hit by a train. And the cymbals sounds like they are being smashed with a hammer, they stand out like they do on most of Yob's records.

The vocals, performed by band-leader Mike Scheidt, are filled with morose and anger. They really intensify the music a lot more. I love them, but the only thing that is sub par to his vocals, are Scheidts guitar skill. He is a riff-machine, every riff he conjures up, ends up destroying everything in its path. The main riff of the song ''Marrow'' is undeniably the most depressing, yet beautiful riff that has ever come out from his mind, I am in total love with that song. Combine that riff, with his vocals and you got yourself one hell of a song.

I have listened to many doom metal bands since I first got recommended Yob by my friend, but Yob is one of the bands I can always come back to, without getting tired of their music. The combination of the production and musicianship of Yob is something any metal fan should experience at least once. Because when you hear them once, you can never go back, the riffs and beats will stay in your head for days, which doesn't happen that often with me. Listen to this album, and embrace its glory.

Rating

9.3

Earth - Primitive and Deadly

"The Serpent has Arrived"


Earth is a band originating from the United States, and are considered pioneers of drone/doom. And I have loved them since I heard the album, The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull in 2008. They also have a personal meaning to me, since they helped me through a few rough months some years back, where the only thing I'd listen to all day was them. I don't know what really made me interested in them, maybe it was the psychedelic blend of genres I love, such as stoner, doom and country (to a certain level). Maybe it was their drone metal that made me feel like I was in another place, I don't know. What I do know is that their latest release, Primitive and Deadly is a great album. Hell, it is better than that. It is awesome.

This album has some of the best atmosphere in doom metal The finely produced distortion on the guitar makes the music sound thick, warm and ecstatic, as if you were thrown into a journey that takes you through and over both soft earth, majestic waters and towering mountains.

The music itself contains enchanting energy. The drums are well-produced, and plays almost daze-like beats throughout the album. Thanks to the thick atmosphere, the performance makes it sound like the drummer was in a well-induced trace. Every part of the kit sounds great. The snare has a really nice bottom to it, and does not sound sloppy like some doom metal bands sometimes do. The bass drum sounds hollow, yet rich. And the cymbals sounds clear, I mean like crystal clear it is almost impossible to describe it otherwise.

The vocals are performed by Mark Lanegan on There is a Serpent Coming and Rooks across the Gates (Which is my favourite song from the album), while the song, From the Zodiacal Light is performed by the beautiful Rabi Shabeen Qazi of Rose Windows fame.  They both do a fantastic job of fleshing out the album. It almost makes me feel like I am riding through the prairie. But best of all is the guitars, they play a lot of dissonant and slow chug-like riffs that often ends in a long sustained note, combine that with the screechy distortion it creates a truly powerful atmosphere. The riffs have a warm sound, almost making you feel like you are in a womb, a little world where you have nothing but time to study and experience this journey you have undertaken.

Even though this album is basically The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull but with vocals and a little bit more country-influence, Earth's formula have not gotten old. The music and vocals are incredible packed with a thick and astounding atmosphere. This is more than just another record, this is an experience.

Rating

8.8

Monuments - The December Sessions

"A Monument Itself"


Monuments is a black/doom metal band from Netherlands, and was formed in 2012 and The December Sessions is their first piece of material to hit the streets. The band is forged together by five musicians from different musical backgrounds, but it's worth noticing the two guitarists other projects, which I will bring up a bit later in the review.

"We are but dust"

This debut EP contains two tracks that together spans almost eighteen minutes, and in spite of their length, the tracks never become dull but they keep intriguing the listener. That is mainly because of the outstanding musicianship and the production, which both go hand in hand. The two guitarists, Yuri and Ruben are a perfect match and they both got experience in the atmospheric black metal field, which clearly is present on this release. It blends perfect with the black/doom style and the lyrical themes of the band, however the lyrics are not available. But vocalist Mitch mentions: "Our lyrics deal with nature, esotericism, the eternal cycle between life and death and negative experiences in life". You don't even have to take my word, or Mitch's word for that matter, just listen to the music and you'll get the idea. Even though the vocals are black metal oriented it is possible to draw excerpts of the lyrics. 

"We are monuments"

It would be rude of me not to mention drummer, Martijn and bassist, Dennis as well. Both of the guys adds so much to the whole organic feel of the record and it probably would not be the same if just one of the members of the band (counting all five) were not present on The December Sessions. The drums keeps the music fresh, and even in the slower passages there is added small nudges here and there. Dennis and his bass is invaluable to this record (and his bandmates as well) and the thick sound adds to the atmosphere of the two tracks. And furthermore, the whole production just lifts not only the bass, but everything up. I don't really know how to describe the vocal, and if I did there would probably be a lot of people who would not get the same idea. Especially if I said, that Mitch sounds like this vocalist but also got qualities similar to this vocalist. But as I mentioned, they are black metal oriented so don't expect Candlemass vocals. There is also backing vocals from guitarist Yuri, which are perfectly slipped in "beneath" Mitch's vocals. And they really match sound-wise and gives the vocals a bigger sound from time to time.

I've seen many bands describing their music, trying to make it more interesting and make you anticipate things. Stuff like "this is a musical journey like never before" and all kind of other stuff, I'm sure you have seen it yourself sometime. The thing is that Monuments does no such thing, instead of that they let their music do the talking. Summing up this EP, I find it to be the perfect blend between black- and doom metal. You're bound to be caught by this record, its magnificence and its atmosphere. Sit back and dim the lights or go for an evening walk listening to this EP, it will match perfect.

"We stand proud"

Be sure to support the band on Facebook, and check out their fantastic music on Bandcamp.

Rating

9.5

Vaalt - Demo MMXIII

"Metal harder than Granite"

Vaalt is a band hailing from Calgary, Canada. They formed in 2012 and released this demo in 2013.

The production is very raw and adds a very distinct Incantation feel to it. The guitars have an ominous sound to them and is perfectly placed in the production, and does not drown out the other instrument. Which to my personal experience, happens to a lot of death metal bands. As for the music itself, it is like old Incantation's production mixed with Thorr's Hammer music layout and sound (minus the clean vocals). And because I fuckin' love those two bands that gives a big plus in my book. The bass plays simple riffs to the drumbeat and maintain a very deep sound. The drums, while hard hitting, they are kind of buried and very messy, the bassdrum is almost inaudible. Is it too bad, because the drummer actually plays some great beats, especially on track 2.

The vocal parts are done by a woman named Alayna Gretton, and by Odin's beard does she have one of the most awe-inspiring and deep vocals I have heard in my life. These vocals would bellow so deep in the mines of Moria that the Balrog would cower in fear. There are also some haunting screams on 'Predation Granite', which adds a variation to her vocals, and very much to the atmosphere of this demo. On 'Soliloquy of the Smoldering', her vocals match the droning beats in utterly fashion. Maybe I praise Alayna's vocals a bit too much, but I was just surprised to find vocals of this quality and voracity on a demo.

The production is maybe a little too raw, but the music is absolutely fantastic. I especially love the atmosphere this gem has produced, which many modern old school bands just don't do for me. This is a great demo, and I will surely follow these guys in the following years to see what else they can produce.

Rating

8.5

Lycus - Demo MMXI

''I reflect in Solitude...''

Lycus is a funeral doom band hailing from Sacramento, California. They were formed in 2008, and after several months of the formation of the band, with very limited live perfomances, a self-released demo and numerous lineup changes the band were forced to split-up due to the wavering of the bands lineup. After relocating to San Francisco, Jackson and Deschryver, the founding members reunited with a new lineup and finally released this demo. And thus brings us to this review...

The demo starts out with the track 'Resonance in Aether', this track is just pure gold because of its intro with dissonance guitar-riffs and choir-vocals and when finally the real vocals comes in with those monstrous growls that brings chills down your spine. The vocals really compliment the guitar riffs, and also works well together with the drums. The bass is also quite audible, soothing to the ears and plays quite pensive riffs... this especially can be heard on the intro to the track 'Among the Ruins', it also just pounds the living shit out of the open string riffs during the midsections of all the songs which is really nice if you're listening to this on a big stereo like I do. The lyrics are also quite good, giving that you read the lyrics while you listen to the music, they give you a sense of doubt and that the world is going to end pretty soon... or that has already ended and these guys are the only ones left to play their sorrowful funeral doom to the mass graves of humanity...

The production is also some worthy of mentioning, its relatively clean, not giving the demo a 'poppy' sound but instead intensifying the record by adding a little muddiness to the mix. Greg Wilkinson who were responsible for the recording of the Asunder and Graves at Sea split (which is one of the best splits I ever heard) and mixing the Necrot demo and Atriarch's Forever the End really did a great job on here... I hope he comes back and mixes the full-length Lycus has planning to record and release soon enough.

Demo MMXI is easily one of the best demos 2011 had to offer.. even for the genre of funeral doom it was the best of that year! So yeah... not much more to be said than... fuckin' listen to it.

Rating

7.6