This is the sixth album from US doom metal band The Gates of Slumber.
Reforming after many years dormant, and now with a couple of members of the superb Apostle of Solitude in tow, The Gates of Slumber are back. Containing 36 minutes of new material, The Gates of Slumber is a powerhouse of traditional doom metal.
Yes, this is an exemplary lesson in true doom mastery. The songs are well-written, boasting crushing riffs, emotive vocals, warmly organic bass, and strong drums. The Gates of Slumber offers doom fans a comprehensive package of TRUE HEAVY DOOM METAL.
The songs are slow, heavy, and bleak. They’re steeped in classic old-school magicks, and sound positively ancient, exactly as this form of doom metal should. It’s heavy metal, only doom-drenched.
This is doom in its original form. There’s no ostentation, padding, experimentation, stylistic detours, modern influences, or anything other than pure, unadulterated, traditional doom metal. And do you know what? For a style this old and this well-worn, it sounds remarkably vibrant, albeit in a glacial doomy sort of way. The Gates of Slumber boasts such a strong collection of tracks that it reminds you of why you liked the classic style so much in the first place.
As a celebration of doom metal, packed with six meaty, heartfelt, and hook-filled songs, this is hard to beat. If you’re a fan of bands such as Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath, and Reverend Bizarre, then this is very much for you.
Very highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 