Thou – Umbilical (Review)

Thou - UmbilicalThou are a sludge/doom band from the US and this is their sixth album.

Following on from 2018’s immense Magus, Umbilical contains 49 minutes of new music from the very well-regarded Thou. Umbilical takes a different route to heaviness than its predecessor, but is no less effective in achieving its goals. Continue reading “Thou – Umbilical (Review)”

Ufomammut – Hidden (Review)

Ufomammut - HiddenUfomammut are an Italian doom band and this is their tenth album.

I always really enjoy catching up with Ufomammut. 2015’s Ectate, 2017’s 8, and 2022’s Fenice were all stonkingly good records, so expectations are high for the 45-minute Hidden. And, as I would have hoped, expectations have been satisfied. Continue reading “Ufomammut – Hidden (Review)”

Sunnata – Chasing Shadows (Review)

Sunnata - Chasing ShadowsSunnata are a Polish doom metal band and this is their fifth album.

Sunnata hugely impressed me with their 2021 album Burning in Heaven, Melting on Earth, which in hindsight I definitely should have included in that year’s best of list. Yes, Chasing Shadows has some big boots to fill, so let’s see what it has to offer. Continue reading “Sunnata – Chasing Shadows (Review)”

The Watchers – Nyctophilia (Review)

The Watchers - NyctophiliaThis is the second album from US metal band The Watchers.

Nyctophilia contains 41 minutes of song-based metallic fun. Taking elements from the classic metal, thrash, stoner, grunge, and doom styles, The Watchers ably demonstrate what they are capable of. Continue reading “The Watchers – Nyctophilia (Review)”

Brume – Marten (Review)

Brume - MartenBrume are a doom band from the US and this is their third album.

I’ve been awaiting this with great excitement, but also great apprehension. Why? Because even though 2017’s Rooster was a damn good record, (appearing on my year end list), 2019’s Rabbits was so fantastic it rightfully topped it. The apprehension comes from worrying whether they can match it or not. Can lightning strike twice? Continue reading “Brume – Marten (Review)”

Blissful Stream – Fighting for the Cross (Review)

Blissful Stream - Fighting for the CrossThis is the second album from one-man Swedish doom metal band Blissful Stream.

I really like Blissful Stream’s personable take on doom metal. If you’re unfamiliar with the project, make sure you also check out Ascending DemonsDevil’s Night to All SoulsDead Religious, and When the Wolves Start to Circle – all in, just over an hour of quality tuneage. Continue reading “Blissful Stream – Fighting for the Cross (Review)”

Bongripper – Empty (Review)

Bongripper - EmptyThis is the eighth album from US doom metal band Bongripper.

Hell yeah, it’s time to bring the MASSIVE DOOM AGAIN! Empty boasts 67 minutes of gargantuan music that simply crushes flat everything within a mile radius of its imposing bulk. If you only get one doom album this year, then this is going to be the one. Continue reading “Bongripper – Empty (Review)”

Arð – Untouched by Fire (Review)

Arð - Untouched by FireThis is the second album from UK doom metal solo act Arð.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Arð last year, so the opportunity to bask in the luxurious doom majesty of this new album was irresistible. Brought to us by a member of Winterfylleth, Untouched by Fire is a richly rewarding 43-minute experience to get lost in. Continue reading “Arð – Untouched by Fire (Review)”

My Dying Bride – A Mortal Binding (Review)

My Dying Bride - A Mortal BindingThis is the fifteenth album from UK doom metal band My Dying Bride.

A Mortal Binding contains 55 minutes of new music from this legendary act. My Dying Bride have returned with a doom-drenched descent into the abyssal depths of loss and despair. It’s rich in moody darkness, and resplendent with emotive colour. Balancing atmospheric immersion with aggressive melancholy, the songs are captivating examples of a band’s vision expertly rendered. Continue reading “My Dying Bride – A Mortal Binding (Review)”