This is the fifth album from US death/doom band Temple of Void.
It’s safe to say I’m a fan of Temple of Void. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all of the band’s albums, (Of Terror and the Supernatural, Lords of Death, The World That Was, and Summoning the Slayer), bought the t-shirt, and one day hope to catch them live. Until then, we have a brand spanking new record to eagerly devour – The Crawl, which gives us something quite special.
The Crawl is a meaty, old-school death metal album that has adapted to its environment like an apex predator. The additional influences that Temple of Void have dabbled with previously have been fleshed out remarkably well. Across these songs you’ll find weapons ripped from the hands of the steaming corpses of post-punk, grunge, and progressive rock, all then selectively deployed where they’re needed most. These influences have been effectively realised on The Crawl. Temple of Void have integrated them well, refining their sound further, and have produced an album that has a lot to offer. The Crawl takes Temple of Void’s strengths, discards their weaknesses, and leaves a colossal monster of surprisingly expressive death/doom metal in its wake.
The Crawl is a record of death metal belligerence, with throat-stomping riffs and roaring guitar solos. However, this is capably mixed with the abovementioned other elements to produce a collection of songs that are really, really good. Fans of atypical multifaceted old-school death/doom should lap this up. No, this isn’t your standard record of that ancient style. The Crawl has a lot of tricks and surprises up its sleeve.
The album showcases a good amount of variety, within its chosen stylistic arena, meaning that each song has a personality of its own. As just some examples, I give you colourful post-punk elements that shockingly don’t suck, (Poison Icon, Soulburn), progressive flourishes that recall 70s prog, (A Dead Issue, The Mountain Eternal), richly doomy mood-focused worldbuilding, (The Crawl), and much else. Alongside this there’s a mix of atmosphere that combines macabre darkness with brighter melodic shades, resulting in a well-rounded slab of ugliness that definitely has an attractive side. And yes, great big outcrops of weighty doom still exist within the Temple of Void playbook, frequently embedded within an immersive atmospheric framework.
These well-written songs have hooks, depth, and character. Temple of Void have exceeded their mandate, and The Crawl is extremely enjoyable. Infused with feeling, atmosphere, and depth, The Crawl is a record you won’t want to miss.
Well then. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing Temple of Void develop over the years, and The Crawl is a definite highlight. The Crawl will take you to alien worlds, crush you flat, and then take your remains dancing.
Essential listening.
Wonderbox Metal 