King Witch – III (Review)

King Witch - IIIThis is the third album from UK doom/heavy metal band King Witch.

King Witch play classic doom and heavy metal spliced with equally vintage grunge and heavy rock. It’s a very effective mix, showcasing the band’s songwriting skill as they deliver 44 minutes of the good stuff. III is a high quality record through and through. Continue reading “King Witch – III (Review)”

Dawn of Solace – Affliction Vortex (Review)

Dawn of Solace - Affliction VortexThis is the fourth album from Finnish melodic metal band Dawn of Solace.

I enjoyed 2022’s Flames of Perdition a great deal, so it’s great to now have Affliction Vortex appear amidst the darkness. Dawn of Solace’s return brings us 39 minutes of new material, and they have not disappointed. Continue reading “Dawn of Solace – Affliction Vortex (Review)”

Epitaph – Path to Oblivion (Review)

Epitaph - Path to OblivionThis is the third album from Italian doom metallers Epitaph.

I enjoyed 2014’s Crawling out of the Crypt a great deal, and 2017’s Claws wasn’t too shabby either. It’s been a long time since their last album though, and Epitaph also have a new singer now too. So, what do the 41 minutes of new music on Path to Oblivion have to offer us then? Continue reading “Epitaph – Path to Oblivion (Review)”

The Gates of Slumber – The Gates of Slumber (Review)

The Gates of SlumberThis 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. Continue reading “The Gates of Slumber – The Gates of Slumber (Review)”

Funeral Leech – The Illusion of Time (Review)

Funeral Leech - The Illusion of TimeFuneral Leech are a death/doom metal band from the US and this is their second album.

I enjoyed 2020’s Death Meditation, so knew I didn’t want to miss out on hearing The Illusion of Time. I’m glad I didn’t either, as this is a damn fine album. Continue reading “Funeral Leech – The Illusion of Time (Review)”

Cardinals Folly – Live by the Sword (Review)

Cardinals Folly - Live by the SwordCardinals Folly are a Finnish doom metal band and this is their sixth album.

It’s always a treat to hear some new music by Cardinals Folly. Live by the Sword boasts 41 minutes of the band’s charismatic doom metal. Cardinals Folly have established themselves as a quality act over the years, so there’s nothing to do when a new release appears but to buckle up and prepare for the ride. Continue reading “Cardinals Folly – Live by the Sword (Review)”

Indigo Raven – Looking for Transcendence (Review)

Indigo Raven - Looking for TranscendenceThis is the debut album from French doom metal band Indigo Raven.

Featuring a member of Mourir, Indigo Raven deliver 43 minutes of doom on Looking for Transcendence, (including bonus track, a Mazzy Star cover). The promo blurb states that the “trio’s sound emerges from the Peaceville Three’s influence with a modern sludge approach”, and this is a suitable description of what you’ll find on this album. To this I’d also add a certain 80s pop sensibility that makes for songs that stick in the head. Continue reading “Indigo Raven – Looking for Transcendence (Review)”

Monthly Overview – the Best of August 2021

While August was a slower month than some others have been this year for first class metal albums, it was still home to more than enough top releases to warrant this list. Continue reading “Monthly Overview – the Best of August 2021”

Vouna – Atropos (Review)

Vouna - AtroposThis is the second album from US one-woman blackened doom band Vouna.

Atropos boasts 57 minutes of richly textured doom metal. It’s an old-school brand of doom that’s spliced through with elements of black and Gothic metal,  along with cinematic scope, epic grandeur, synth-laden atmosphere, and forlorn Continue reading “Vouna – Atropos (Review)”

Grief Collector – En Delirium (Review)

Grief Collector - En DeliriumThis is the debut album from US doom metallers Grief Collector.

Featuring Robert Lowe, (an ex-member of Candlemass), on vocals, En Delirium contains 48 minutes of largely traditional doom metal mixed with a touch of modern sludge, to produce a compelling piece of work. Continue reading “Grief Collector – En Delirium (Review)”