Doom Metal – Page 8 – Wonderbox Metal

Ashtar – The Return of the Frozen Souls (Review)

This is the fourth album from Swiss black metal solo act Ashtar.

I enjoyed both 2015’s Ilmasaari and 2020’s Kaikuja, so wanted to check out Ashtar’s latest. Since those albums the band have become a solo endeavour, and I missed the artist’s 2023 album Wandering Through Time somehow. A little over a year since that record though and we have The Return of the Frozen Souls, which features 45 minutes of black/doom metal, (including a Samhain cover). Continue reading “Ashtar – The Return of the Frozen Souls (Review)”

Sinistro – Vértice (Review)

This is the fourth album from Portuguese doom band Sinistro.

I enjoyed 2018’s Sangue Cássia, and when I saw Vértice appear I assumed I’d missed out on a couple of albums between the two. Apparently not, as this is Sinistro’s first new recorded output since then. They are back now though, and have a new bassist and singer in tow as well. Continue reading “Sinistro – Vértice (Review)”

Alunah – Fever Dream (Review)

This is the seventh album from UK doom metal band Alunah.

Alunah seem to be on an upward trajectory. From 2017’s Solennial to 2019’s Violet Hour to 2022’s Strange Machine, there doesn’t seem to be any stopping the band. Strange Machine I loved in particular. This makes Fever Dream hotly anticipated over here, although bittersweet, as apparently it’s to be the last album featuring the band’s excellent singer Siân Greenaway, which is a huge shame. Continue reading “Alunah – Fever Dream (Review)”

Oceans of Slumber – Where Gods Fear to Speak (Review)

This is the sixth album from US progressive metallers Oceans of Slumber.

After releasing two very well-received albums of progressive metal in 2018’s The Banished Heart and 2020’s self titled album, Oceans of Slumber surprised many by adopting more of a hard rock approach on 2022’s Starlight and Ash. Although ultimately I naturally prefer their heavier more metallic material, it was still an accomplished album worthy of anyone’s time. With new record Where Gods Fear to Speak now on the horizon, what do Oceans of Slumber bring us in 2024? Let’s find out. Continue reading “Oceans of Slumber – Where Gods Fear to Speak (Review)”

40 Watt Sun – Little Weight (Review)

This is the fourth album from UK doom/post-rock band 40 Watt Sun.

Following on from 2022’s highly emotive Perfect Light comes the 45-minute Little Weight, and let me tell you it’s quite the record. It’s a journey into richly crafted emotion, one that aches with affecting depth. Continue reading “40 Watt Sun – Little Weight (Review)”

Barbarian Hermit – Mean Sugar (Review)

This is the second album from UK stoner/sludge metallers Barbarian Hermit.

It’s been six long years since 2018’s Solitude and Savagery, but now Barbarian Hermit have returned, and with a different vocalist. Mean Sugar contains 44 minutes of new music for us to hungrily devour. Continue reading “Barbarian Hermit – Mean Sugar (Review)”

Mourners Lament – A Grey Farewell (Review)

Mourners Lament are a doom/death metal band from Chile and this is their second album.

It’s been a long time since 2016’s We All Be Given, but finally its successor is here, (although the band did release an EP in 2022, apparently). Mourners Lament have a new lineup and an expanded, more ambitious vision for their sound. A Grey Farewell builds on We All Be Given, with Mourners Lament returning with a record that has been worth the lengthy weight. Continue reading “Mourners Lament – A Grey Farewell (Review)”

Void Witch – Horripilating Presence (Review)

Void Witch are a death metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Void Witch play malevolent death/doom, and Horripilating Presence contains 39 minutes of the sort of material that could crush mountains flat. Continue reading “Void Witch – Horripilating Presence (Review)”

Forgotten Tomb – Nightfloating (Review)

This is the eleventh album from Forgotten Tomb, an Italian black/doom metal band.

A new Forgotten Tomb album is a notable event around these parts. 2015’s Hurt Yourself and the Ones You Love, 2017’s We Owe You Nothing, and 2020’s Nihilistic Estrangement, were all top drawer records, so it’s with expectation that Nightfloating‘s 41 minutes of new material is greeted. Continue reading “Forgotten Tomb – Nightfloating (Review)”

Old Horn Tooth – Mourning Light (Review)

Old Horn Tooth are a doom metal band from the UK and this is their second album.

Mourning Light is massive, in more ways than one. There are four tracks, but each one is a doom monster, and the record’s total duration is 68 minutes. Old Horn Tooth aren’t messing around here, so strap in and prepare yourself for an avalanche of crushing doom. Continue reading “Old Horn Tooth – Mourning Light (Review)”