Forming the Void – Reverie (Review)

Forming the Void - ReverieThis is the fourth album from progressive stoner/sludge doom metallers Forming the Void.

I enjoy Forming the Void’s work; 2018’s split with Pyreship and Rift were both quality releases, but on Reverie, the band have produced something quite wonderful. Continue reading “Forming the Void – Reverie (Review)”

Blacklab – Abyss (Review)

Blacklab - AbyssThis is the second album from Japanese doom band Blacklab.

Taking a jagged, almost experimental approach to doom, Blacklab’s music is a curious fusion of Black Sabbath, Boris, and The Stooges. This is dark, raw, and peppered with hardcore and noise rock influences. Continue reading “Blacklab – Abyss (Review)”

Vij (Вий) – Oblivium (Review)

Vij (Вий) - ObliviumThis is the second album from Вий, (otherwise known as Vij), an Italian doom/sludge band.

Vij’s music is dark and heavy, combining harsh sludge and funeral doom. It’s a great mixture of the two styles, making for an absorbing album that’s a little different from what many other doom/sludge bands are doing. Continue reading “Vij (Вий) – Oblivium (Review)”

Forlesen – Hierophant Violent (Review)

Forlesen - Hierophant ViolentForlesen are from the US and play doom. This is their debut album.

There are only two lengthy tracks on this album, but with a total duration of 36 minutes, that matters not. The band members in Forlesen have a lot of experience with atypical music, as they play in a variety of bands such as Lotus Thief, Kayo Dot, Botanist, Maudlin of the Well, Nero Order, Palace of Worms, and Vesper Moth. Continue reading “Forlesen – Hierophant Violent (Review)”

Depleted – Wretched Decay (Review)

Depleted - Wretched DecayDepleted is a one-man death/doom band from the US and this is his latest demo.

We first met Depleted in 2018 with Conjurations of Void, and it impressed with its virulent underground nastiness. On this new release we are (mis)treated to 31 minutes of horror and despair. It may not be pleasant, but it is damn good. Continue reading “Depleted – Wretched Decay (Review)”

Satyrus – Rites (Review)

Satyrus - RitesSatyrus are an Italian doom metal band and this is their debut album.

Based on the classic sound of doom in the vein of Black Sabbath and Pentagram, and then updated with modern influences from the realms of sludge and stoner, Rites contains 45 minutes of satisfying doom metal. Continue reading “Satyrus – Rites (Review)”

Temple of Void – The World That Was (Review)

Temple of Void - The World That WasThis is the third album from US death/doom metallers Temple of Void.

My enjoyment of Temple of Void’s work over the years has only increased, (here, here, here), so it’s with great excitement and expectation that I turn to The World That Was. Continue reading “Temple of Void – The World That Was (Review)”

Solothus – Realm of Ash and Blood (Review)

Solothus - Realm of Ash & BloodThis is the third album from Solothus, a death/doom metal band from Finland.

Soaked with deathly vibes and sinister doom promise, this is macabre death/doom that deeply satisfies with its quality delivery. For a rough approximation of the band’s sound, imagine a mix of bands such as Continue reading “Solothus – Realm of Ash and Blood (Review)”