Doom Metal – Page 68 – Wonderbox Metal

Monolithe – Interlude Second (Review)

Another solid release from Monolithe. They really do play some exceptional doom. After recently getting their Monolithe II album I knew this was going to be good and I was not disappointed.

If you have not encountered Monolithe before they play crawling, mysterious Doom with an emphasis on the heavy.

This is only a two-track EP ‘interlude’ between their main releases, but there is still over 36 minutes of music here – all of it of a high quality and well worth a purchase. Monolithe are not a band for everyone – the repetitive drone-esque heaviness will just be more than some people can stomach. Never-the-less; devotees of all things slow will find a goldmine of doom to be found in their work, and this EP is fitting as a good introduction to the band and as preparation for the doom-a-thons that are their albums.

Interested? Have a listen and then hop over to Bandcamp to get it – it’s currently only €0.50 and an absolute steal at that price.

Bongripper – Live at Roadburn 2012 (Review)

My first concern with any live album is the sound quality. Thankfully there are no concerns here as the sound is, frankly, brilliant. Everything is clear, warm and the album has a big sound. And when I say big, I mean massive, as Bongripper play all-massive, all the time.

This is a recording of their 2012 Roadburn Festival appearance where they actually played two sets – both of which are included here. If you have never encountered Bongripper before then you are in for a treat. Here they are in all of their visceral glory.

They play absolutely huge doom, with giant fat riffs crawling and shattering around all over the place. There are no vocals to interrupt the flow of these hymns to all things doom; rather the music itself takes you on a trip through waves of sound and crashes all over you leaving you shocked and stunned by what just happened.

At over two hours in length this is not for the faint-hearted. It is, however, worth it. This is something to put on and get absorbed in, and watch your day just drip away as you get lost in the colossal riffs and feedback.

Play loud. Very loud.

Eye of Solitude – Sui Caedere (Review)

UK-based Eye of Solitude play slow, dirge-y funeral doom. Imagine a band like Esoteric only with some Paradise Lost-esque riffs/melodies, topped off with some very nice vocals. Ahh yes; the vocals. The vocals are absolutely relentless – pure, deep, utterly uncompromising growls. The vocals fit the music perfectly and almost act as another instrument used to flatten the listener with their oppressive aural assault.

As well as the slow, crawling, very-heavy nature of the music, Eye of Solitude display a welcome grasp of songcraft and melody. This means that the songs don’t get boring or outstay their welcome, as well as having an emotional content which enhances the general feeling of the album to the point where even on the first listen you know that this is going to be a ‘grower’ of an album; the more you listen to it the better it gets.

Interspersed with all of the heaviness are also some quieter, more introspective moments that allow the listener a brief respite before being steamrollered once more by the crushing doom on offer here. It all works very well. “A Note to Say Farewell” is a great example of this.

This is the kind of album I can just sit back; turn up loud; and just let the soundscapes wash over me. The sheer feeling of the tracks on display here; the combination of songwriting, melody and atmosphere that gives the album something special and definitely makes it stand out from its peers.

Highly recommended. If you even vaguely like this genre of music then you will enjoy this band.

Generation of Vipers – Howl and Filth (Review)

Featuring members of more prominent bands; Generation of Vipers play a brand of ultra-filthy sludge, that seems wrapped in layers of grime so thick and dense it’s impressive. Somewhere; lurking under all of this murky heaviness, the vocals strain to get through. Agonised screams and tortured verbalisations that are strangled and dragged down by the weight of the oppressive sludge.

This is an album aimed at the true devotees of doom and sludge; for those who are willing and eager to brave the extremes of sonic heaviness. Even though there are six separate tracks on this album it’s more like one big journey, one made by wading through the filth. This may not sound particularly appetising to some, but if you like your sludge then you know for this brand of music it’s a very good thing indeed.

Give this band a go – there’s a lot of treats to be had in those murky depths…

Night Heir – A Maze of Evenings (Review)

Atmospheric metal from the US. There is plenty of variety and individuality on display here, with varying styles from Black Metal to Doom, and everything in between. The band are not afraid to experiment, so you’ll find plenty to hold the interest on this album if you like your metal with a touch of the Avant Garde/experimental.

I also notice what seems to be an In The Woods… influence, so if you imagine a band like In The Woods… with extra Black Metal, Doom, Folk, etc. parts thrown in you’ll be on the right lines.

This will not be to everyone’s tastes of course, but if you are in the right mood then stick this album on and relax, zone out and just get swallowed up in the atmosphere and the journey.

If you’re looking from something a bit different then give them a listen – you won’t regret it!

Antero Sleeps – Titan (Review)

Science fiction Doom Metal. What could be better than that?

This is very well written and recorded; as soon as you start listening you know it’s going to be something special. No hastily-thrown together collections of riffs here, rather; well thought-out melodies and structures, with plenty of interest to be had throughout.

There is plenty here that can hit you full in the face the first time you hear it, but it also has the all-important nuances and subtleties that keep you coming back for more. Antero Sleeps draw you in and make their music just plain better than something more one-dimensional would be.

Be sure to check this out as soon as you can!

https://www.facebook.com/anterosleeps