Album Type: EP
Date Released: 29/01/2013
Label: Scion Av Presents
“Stormcrow” DD track listing
1)
Death March (5:50)
2)
Driven Insane (5:36)
3)
Son of Hades (6:11)
4)
Dragon Caravan (5:06)
5)
Of That Which Can Be (7:55)
The Review
The Gates Of Slumber follow up their excellent thudding opus of 2011 “The Wretch” with this five
track EP of pure doom. For “Stormcrow” 'Iron' Bob Fouts is
back behind the kit in place of Cool Clyde and his playing works well with the
new material, just as Clyde's more straight ahead approach worked well with “The
Wretch.” Other than this line-up change, it is business as usual in TGOS
camp.
“Death
March”
opens things on a suitably sombre note, the pace is that of a snail, the vocals
mournful, the bass rumbling, the solo- just after the four minute mark- superb.
The emotion in Karl Simon's voice shines through and proves yet again that he
carries the torch of true doom passed through the ages by Ozzy, Wino et al. “(Devil's Grip) Driven Insane” opens
with a strong drum groove with a nice thick yet live sound. When the layered
guitars kick in with the distorted bass it is clear how much time Sanford
Parker put into producing this and that he has the tones just right. The vibe
is pure Vitus,
the main riff infectious and the groove sits in the pocket very well. A burst
of pace can be found after a few minutes and the rhythm section performs particularly
well with Jason McCash's bass lines pinning together the sound fluidly. The “Sabbathian
fast bit” is a tried and tested method in doom- but one not used to
great effect much these days. It is good to see it back and acting as a bridge
to the close of the song with a return to the central refrain- songwriting is
not dead yet!
“Son
of Hades” gives the listener a kind
of mid paced chug with strong vocal hooks and creeping riffs. Worth noting is
the shift to lyrics of a perhaps more personal nature in latter day material by
this superb band. They appear more personal- albeit told in allegory and
metaphor- than earlier albums such as “Suffer No Guilt” or “Conqueror”.
Emotional heft has always been one of doom's strengths so this shift in lyrical
focus is welcome and effective. Solos abound as the track progresses as the
rhythm section keeps the pace and groove going well. A slower tempo follows
with an effective chant and we are on to the penultimate track.
“Dragon Caravan” sounds like the title
implies; lumbering, heavy with danger lurking everywhere. The riffs snake
around appropriately with the guitars weaving in a rather melancholy way. The
lyrical tale of frailty and weakness is a great companion piece to the downward
musical spiral that the listener experiences. The guitar and bass of a three
piece line-up often have more room to breathe and utilise creativity and such
is the case here; McCash's role is crucial.
“Of That Which Can Never
Be”
finishes the EP in crushing style; doomy crashing chords herald in nigh on
eight minutes of despair and creeping dread. Simon's voice carries the song
along with a melodic performance of depth and power. Indeed, this closing track
is perhaps closest in tone to earlier records. Make no mistake, though, this EP
represents another progression in TGOS's sound and style. Each release has been
different, whether by sidestepping or moving forwards, but the sound of the
band is always recognisable. With more and more bands ploughing the doom
furrow, this is no mean feat in itself.
If
you like your doom traditional and very much METAL then this EP should be
checked out immediately. To assist you Scion A/V are giving the download away for
FREE! Just click the link, download, listen and enjoy.I assume that hard copy
formats will also be available soon; I would buy the vinyl for the artwork
alone, let alone the music. A CD copy for the car wouldn't go amiss either...
The band gives you something, it is only fair that you give back. Doom on.
