This is the debut album from German doom metal band Mriodom.
Vlies contains 44 minutes of music that takes elements of doom metal, stoner metal, and psychedelic rock into itself, producing five songs that earn their own keep. Mriodom’s music hits the spot nicely.
This is charismatic doom flavoured with saxophone and clarinet. The album has a deep, thick, satisfying sound, allowing the music to embrace the listener in warm tones. The saxophone is well-used, frequently taking the role of a guitar lead. It sounds really good, and the music benefits from its presence.
The guitars are big and the riffs they unleash rolling and unending. Mriodom have a knack for doomgroove heaviness, but also know how to inject nuance, lightness, or dynamics where they need to. The songs are well-written, and work best when experienced over time; Mriodom seep deeper and deeper into your brain gradually, as their hooks burrow their way ever further inwards. From the introspective to the triumphant, there’s a lot to enjoy on Vlies.
The primary vocals are cleanly sung, and they ring out from the music clear and strong. The singer works well with the music, and her voice provides a good focal point, but without needlessly dominating proceedings. Occasionally there are deep growls that back up the lead vocals, which are welcome to hear.
Vlies is a solid and enjoyable debut from Mriodom. If you’ve a taste for the style, and like bands such as Brume, Khemmis, King Witch, King Woman, Messa, Monolord, and Windhand, then this is one to check out for sure.
Wonderbox Metal 