ALBUM REVIEW: Green Lung, "This Heathen Land"

 By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 03/11/2023

Label: Nuclear Blast

 
“This Heathen Land” CD//DD//LP track listing:
 
1. Prologue
2. The Forest Church
3. Mountain Throne
4. Maxine
5. One for Sorrow
6. Song of the Stones
7. The Ancient Ways
8. Hunters in the Sky
9. Oceans of Time
 
The Review:
 
Green Lung are the best ‘new’ band in the UK today. This is their third album and takes in folklore, esoteric and occult albion (Britain) and so on. “Woodland Rites” was rough and ready with the artwork, the vibe and the songs in place. “Black Harvest” was nothing short of a modern classic; beefed up production, better arrangements and songs with vibe and artwork intact.
 
“This Heathen Land” is more developed and varied than the previous albums. It has the muscle of Nuclear Blast behind it- once again, the artwork is stellar (kind of a Wild Hunt pastiche), the production is superb and the songs, well….
 
A spoken word prologue sets the scene for a journey into a hidden, pagan, Britain. The first track proper, “The Forest Church”, should have you invested. If it doesn’t, please give the rest of the record a chance. The track takes in epic soloing, doom like pacing and some dynamic tempo shifts- plus a more prominent role for the keys. Having as they do the line-up of classic Deep Purple or Jethro Tull, it makes sense to make use of the keys to a larger extent.
 
The grooving tempo of “Mountain Throne” makes for an excellent and headbanging track, while advance track “Maxine (Witch Queen)” is just brilliant. Catchy, clever and full of hooks and ideas. Essentially, this is for fans of folk horror, films like The Wicker Man, Straw Dogs, Witchfinder General, A Field In England, The Devil Rides Out etc. It’s got that hard-to-define aspect that makes it somehow otherworldly- much like compatriots Pagan Altar.
 
The doom vibes are back for “One For Sorrow”- it’s slow and creepy, with a dose of melancholia woven into the grim portents. Reference points abound in terms of the band’s sound. This is not doom, per se, but the spectre of Sabbath looms. However, classic 70’s rock like Heep, Jethro Tull and Purple is also present- as is, in particular, Queen. Backing vocals, varied instrumentation, varied styles, well orchestrated guitar parts and hooky vocals. Yep, Brian et. al. would approve.
 
The band has expanded their sound- not just by the use of keyboards, either. “Song of the Stones” mixes folkloric ghost story telling with acoustic instrumentation and is much further from Sabbath and much closer to Tull at their ’77 peak or even Led Zeppelin at their most arcane. It’s fantastic and transportive. Crucially, this is also music played by younger people; these aren’t a load of middle aged old hands trying their luck at occult rock. It feels organic and authentic.
 
The UK, even the world, needs younger rock bands who are not yet into their 40s to keep the genre alive and thriving. Sabbath are done. Priest and Maiden are in various stages of their twilight, other large bands are now just embarrassing corporations or the core of the bands are dead and buried. Elsewhere on the album, Green Lung delve into the distant past and fictional horror with strong success. The band keep the vibe on point with a forty two minute playing time. It’s all here; Ley Lines, barrows, stone circles, paganism, sorrow, despair and hope.
 
Modern day Britain is becoming increasingly out of touch with its past (the good and interesting parts of it in particular) in favour of a culture of individualism, consumerism and distrust. Bands like Green Lung and albums like “This Heathen Land” place the listener firmly in a different time and a better place. While some of the material here may be a little more stately (“Ancient Ways”) and grand, there are also the headbanging thrills of “Hunters In The Sky”, so the album comes off as balanced and considered in its track list.
 
The record closes with a take on the vampire myth- “Oceans of Time”- referencing memorable dialogue from the early 90s film with Gary Oldman in the lead role. Again, it’s clever and effective and hugely enjoyable, with some Type O style production and arrangements. Green Lung haven’t put a foot wrong with this record and it may well be the one that puts them over the top from underground prospects to legitimate headliners. They deserve it, as having witnessed the band live at Desertfest I can confirm that they have that indefinable extra factor; charisma, mystery, x-factor- call it what you will. In short, this band is unique and this album is excellent. Treasure them both.
 
“This Heathen Land” is available HERE

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE: Brimstone Coven, "The Inferno"

Initially featured on the site 7 years ago with the release of their debut self-titled album, Brimstone Coven have had quite the journey.  Signing on with Metal Blade Records in 2014 to release their first two releases as a repackaged full length and following that up in 2015 with their next and final release for Metal Blade Records “Black Magic”, these West Virginia occult rockers  have had set backs, however in 2018 with the independent release of ‘What Was and What Shall Be', Brimstone Coven showed they has lost none of their power

2019 would see the band writing a new batch of songs and enter the studio in early 2020. The result would prove to be Brimstone Coven’s darkest sounding album to date, entitled 'The Woes of a Mortal Earth'. The new year also saw the trio signing a new deal with the venerable label Ripple Music. Despite the foreboding atmosphere of their new album, the future of Brimstone Coven has never looked so bright and today we’re excited to debut a brand new track from album below. 

Check out “The Inferno” below and pre-orders are being taken HERE

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp || Instagram

TRACK PREMIERE: Gospel of the Witches, "Womb of The World"

KARYN CRISIS’ GOSPEL OF THE WITCHES is the brainchild of two visionaries: Karyn Crisis (ex-Crisis) and Davide Tiso (Ephel Duath, Howling Sycamore). Their debut “Salem’s Wounds” was released by Century Media Records with worldwide critical acclaim in 2015, and now it's time for a brand new album. Titled “Covenant” and featuring Fabian Vestod (Skinlab) on drums, it offers 12 songs of the finest Occult Metal -- from evil heaviness to ambient passages invoking very ancient concepts and vibrations of the realm of the Goddesses and those who celebrate their magic on earth.  Today at THE SLUDGELORD we’re exclusively streaming a new track entitled "Womb of the World" which you can stream below

TRACK PREMIERE: Huata return with the magnificent epic “The Mystical Beast of Revelations”

Huata play a truly haunting and spell-binding blend of retro sounding doom mixed with an amazing occult psych based ambience.  Astonishingly their first record, “Atavist of Mann”, was released more than 6 years ago now and during a tumultuous period for the band, they have come through the other side stronger and better than ever.  Now a two piece, Huata are the verge of releasing their most celebrated compositions on new record “Lux Initiatrux Terrae” set for release via French label Music Fear Satan on November 23^rd

The beast that is Huata has finally awaken and they are back with a renewed sense of vigour, armed with an album that is epic in scale in every sense of the word, big riffs, bigger melodies and bathed in both light and darkness, “Lux Initiatrux Terrae” is one of the stand out records of 2018. Spread over one hour, Huata with captivate, enthral and  mesmerize the listener, with their utterly stunning and beguiling new record  which will remind  you of ANCESTORS, YOB and RAMESSES. An impressive record?  Check out the opening track “The Mystical Beast of Revelations” and judge for yourself.  Preorders are available HERE.  Now sit back and prepare to watch your speakers die. 

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE: The Necromancers, "Secular Lord"

Having been previously unfamiliar with French occult doom quartet The Necromancers , it came as somewhat of surprise that the band are set to release their second full length, a mere 12 months after their debut.  No small feat by today’s standards. 

Back in the day, when Sabbath was known to few, but on the cusp of greatness, legendary acts such as Sabbath, would bang out an album a year, tour it, get back in the studio and 12 months later, another record would be released.  To be able do this with regularity it one thing, but to consistently produce strong material is perhaps the exception to the rule.  What am I trying to say then?  Well for one The Necromancers are clearly dedicated hard working band, but perhaps more significantly, having reviewed their previous album, they’re able to produce consistently kick ass albums and when we got the call to premiere a track, I couldn’t have been more stoked.

Although this French quartet's second album still features the lumbering doom and cultish heavy rock they are known for, it is clear on new album “Of Blood And Wine” they appear to have dug deeper within themselves as song writing and in turn they have produced a record of great depth and quality.  So without further ado check out the track “Secular Lord” below as well as small quote from the band about the track.  Recorded at Nomad Studio, “Of Blood And Wine” must be like the 100^th record Ripple Music will have released this year, but all kidding aside, the record will available via this distinguished label on October 5th 2018 on all formats. 

“Secular Lord” talks about Vlad 'The Empalor' Tepes. He is the historical character who inspired Bram Stoker for Dracula. We chose to talk about the legend and the myth here. We think it’s another song exploration for us, having that kind of voices and guitars sounds. Feels great for a first single!

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Ancient VVisdom - "33"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 13/10/2017

Label: Argonauta Records (CD) |

Magic Bullet Records (DD) |

DHU Records (LP)

Like the morning star it praises, Ancient VVisdom is more deceptive than you realize. It heralds that section of the genre that is far darker than even the loudest bands while doing a style you don't recognize is nearly this cursed. "33" is going to live on for quite some time.

“33” CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Ascending Eternally

2. Light of Lucifer

3. In the Name of Satan

4. True Will

5. The Infernal One

6. Summoning Eternal Light

7. Rise Fallen Angel

8. 33

9. The Great Beast

10. Lux

11. Dispelling Darkness

The Review:

Metal music has since its dawn been preoccupied with the visage of Beelzebub. Whether it was Ozzy Osbourne conjuring the idea of Satan's love in "N.I.B." or mainstream heavy rock like Ghost calling out to the "old one, master," Satan has been that ultimate taboo in music. For metal, the Devil has also been the totem of rejecting all convention. And though there have been many incursions into popular culture, it would seem metal music's fixation with the sinister and demons may always be part.

So when a recording comes across that embodies some of that dark spirit, it almost feels like splitting hairs to argue how it qualifies as metal. In Ancient VVisdom's case, it indubitably does.

The Austin-based trio formed in 2009 and have three releases – 2011's "A Godlike Inferno”, 2013's "Deathlike" and 2014's "Sacrificial" – as well as a rather infamous 2010 split disc with incarcerated mass murderer Charles Manson on their resume. Its first full length in three years, "33," is alternately inspired by a variety of meanings for the number, including the birth year that Jesus Christ was crucified. The horrific vibe never quite goes away from there.

If you have not heard the group prior, Ancient VVisdom is metal in the first-wave death rock or the folkloric styles you may recall rose to prominence in metal in the early 2000s. "33" is thus largely rooted in acoustic music, without drum and sparing electric guitar. The focus of Ancient VVisdom is Nathan Opposition, vocalist and songwriter. He's crucial, because Ancient VVisdom is nothing if not a lyrical act whose songs and stories are its reason for being.

To be clear, Ancient VVisdom has magnificent instrumentation. Whether it is the guitar, synths or hints of percussion, the minimal nature of "33" means all of it has to count even more than the average band. However, Ancient VVisdom's Satanic verses drive the music for the most part. Indeed Nathan Opposition's vocals set up much of the art that is here. "Ascending Eternally" opens like a hymn, while "Light of Lucifer" begins the release smoothly out of that hymn into a chord that you might hear around the fire at a church's summer camp. However, this is no revival.

Songs like "Summoning Eternal Light" and "The Great Beast" musically deliver the crunch you might more expect from metal, whereas "Rise Fallen Angel" is Ancient VVisdom's closest foray into heavy rock. These selections and a handful of others are not ultraviolent songs. They're musically savvy, but as with other cuts, the imagery of the occult, Lucifer and the great unknown are the true canvas.

Like the morning star it praises, Ancient VVisdom is more deceptive than you realize. It heralds that section of the genre that is far darker than even the loudest bands while doing a style you don't recognize is nearly this cursed. "33" is going to live on for quite some time.

"33" is available digitally here, CD here and eventually on vinyl here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats – “Vol. 1” (Reissue)

By: Ernesto Aguilar


Album Type: Full length

Date Released: 13/10/2017

Label: Rise Above Records

Imperfect though it may be, "Vol. 1" is a fascinating introduction to Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats' bold vision

 

"Vol. 1” CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Crystal Spiders

2. Witches Garden

3. Dead Eyes of London

4. Lonely and Strange

5. Vampire Circus

6. Do What Your Love Tells You

7. I Don’t Know

8. Wind Up Toys

The Review:

Psychedelic band Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats has gained somewhat of a cult status over the years. However, it is the best kind of cult status imaginable. The group has at once achieved notoriety while not gaining a level of household name currency. Such presence is a sweet spot for musicians: people know you, but not their moms, and not being played at the mall is absolutely not for lack of skills. Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats' style of stoner rock with old-school heavy metal burnish has flashes of panache that bands like Electric Wizard have in abundance. Over its releases, the Kevin Starrs-fronted group has supplemented that with pulpy themes in its music and as such their music is truly fun to listen to, and the band's music has received well-deserved acclaim for it.

If you have been following Uncle Acid over its young career – from 2011's “Blood Lust”, 2013’s “Mind Control” or “The Night Creeper”, the 2015 entry – chances are the group hooked you with its fuzzed out freaky tales that always came across as more Dusk to Dawn than Leatherface. It is a catchy and creative mix that draws comparisons to some of the genre's all-stars, not to mention progressive acts like Pink Floyd. Among the stories that have circulated was how the celebrated band's story began on a 2010 debut, which originally made the rounds via CD-R. However, that recording has been elusive to most fans, save Youtube downloads and live shows. That is, until its longtime label, Rise Above Records, stepped in to reissue the out-of-print first recording.

With "Vol. 1," fans of Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats finally get a glimpse at the band's formative work. Perhaps it is no surprise that it is not the best the crew has performed, but it is among the most original.

"Crystal Spiders" begins the album, and it is filled with the energetic guitar work and the sticky rhythms you know of Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats. The back story to "Vol. 1" is that it is truly a do-it-yourself endeavor. It was reportedly self-recorded. This hardscrabble tale proves readily apparent as you tune in for the duration. A little too much volume and some loose production are evident. With "Witches Garden," the vocals are a bit more washed out by the rest of the arrangement than usual. However, it, just as with the next song "Dead Eyes of London," is a priceless look at a performer building a sound it is today loved for making. Its cornerstones – that classic rock 'n' roll feel, a lyricism that weaves a mystical tale into the music – are gestating on its debut. On "Lonely and Strange," the bass and drums take a more prominent role, just like they do in later releases and are a hallmark of this vibe. Imperfect though it may be, "Vol. 1" is a fascinating introduction to Uncle Acid and the Deadbeats' bold vision.

Starrs has been quoted as saying he wanted to oversee remixing and ensuring the new record met the standard he expected for fans. He does an admirable job in touching up the base material. "Do What Your Love Tells You" in the original telling, available online, gets its retro doom amped up on "Vol. 1." Similarly, the closer, "Wind Up Toys," is markedly improved from the original.

If you are a fan and caught "Vol. 1" online, the reissue is a treat you will not want to miss. And if you are curious about this burgeoning UK phenomenon, "Vol. 1" may help you understand how it all began.

"Vol. 1" will be available here from 13/10/2017

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Mindkult - "Lucifer's Dream"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full length

Date Released: 20/09/2017

Label: Transcending Obscurity

Don't wonder. Go listen. Mindkult's alchemy is in blending in forces that probably would not otherwise really work well together, to beget a release that is one of the most prepossessing in the genre,  reshaping what we consider tradtional doom in spectacular ways.

"Lucifer's Dream" CD//DD track listing

1. Drink My Blood

2. Nightmares

3. Behold the Wraith

4. Infernals

5. Howling Witch

6. Lucifer's Dream

The Review:

How many of us think about The Cure on a daily basis? Now, for those of a certain age, you may ponder the 1980s new wave trailblazers more than someone born in the mid-1990s. However, safe to say even then considerations of the Robert Smith-fronted group are rare occasions. However, The Cure has been a bigger influence in varied genres of popular music than you might at first know. Relevant to metal, extreme music and Mindkult is the shadow The Cure casts over gothic, post-punk and shoegaze. In the early 1980s, The Cure helped forge the sound and look. Today, Mindkult uplifts that downtrodden tradition in a way that reshapes doom in spectacular ways.

Mindkult is a one-person performance piece that conveys some of the classic sensibility as well as a new philosophy to doom and stoner rock. "Lucifer's Dream" comes on the heels of Mindkult's debut EP "Witch's Oath." That release scored positive reviews for its genre-bending nonchalance. Psychedelic jams slammed into a doom ethos and haunted lyrics. With its return, Mindkult offers this surprisingly irresistible slosh, and more.

The recording begins with "Drink My Blood," which is a largely instrumental (the first three of eight minutes have no vocal) blues-infused rocker. "Nightmares" is the shortest track, and follows the opener's rhythm with a churning doom energy not unlike mid-golden era Black Sabbath. It is the sort of song you might share to get a friend into Mindkult; it is catchy, with strong songwriting and thick grooves. "Behind the Wraith" is another cut you might introduce new listeners to Mindkult with. There are a ton of excellent metal inspirations herein, and yet Mindkult makes the air all its own.

But back to The Cure. There will always be a strand or two of goth in doom. Truly hard to say how that necessarily came to be. One might be able to trace it back to the emergence of the post-punk movement, where early metal found some adherents, and a unique subculture that arguably impacted death metal and some extreme music subgenres. Nevertheless, the musical tempo is unmistakable. Mindkult flashes more shoegaze, which has its own history with post-punk or goth, and it towers over the interpretations you may hear elsewhere. "Infernals" and "Howling Witch" are the zenith of this avenue. The arrangement is just right, and while the vocals across this release are superlative, there is a charisma in these songs that is magnetic.

The title track ends the six-song trip, and it touches on both effects of shoegaze and doom. You might read that suggestion and wonder how it works. Don't wonder. Go listen. Mindkult's alchemy is in blending in forces that probably would not otherwise really work well together, to beget a release that is one of the most prepossessing in the genre.

"Lucifer's Dream" is available here:

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM PREMIERE: Spanish psych/doom trio Kabbalah begin their journey of "Spectral Ascent"

Emerging underground doom specialists Twin Earth Records will release “Spectral Ascent” by Spanish psych/doom trio KABBALAH on July 7th 2017. The band’s mysterious and fascinating sound contains flashes of occult rock, 70s retro and classic psychedelia drawing comparisons to such luminaries of scene from past and present such as Blood Ceremony, Coven, Deep Purple, indeed with such a talented line up armed with such a brilliant record, it likely this Spanish Trio will not only erase our post Brexit blues but see the band emerge as one of the forerunners on the scene.  Don’t take our word for it; judge for yourselves as we present “Spectral Ascent” in full for your listening pleasure.  Twin Earth Records are taking preorders now and are available here.   

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Psychedelic Witchcraft - Magick Rites and Spells"

By: Jake Wallace

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 27/01/2017

Label: Soulseller Records

'Magick Rites and Spells' is a fresh, authentic display of classic occult rock being performed in the present day. It's a blessing to see a band who are truly absorbed in this genre, leading the way for all modern day occultists to follow. It's a very well-balanced mix of old, new and cover songs and an incredible follow-up to the masterpiece that was 'The Vision'. This band are only getting started and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds for Virginia and the guys.

“Magick Rites and Spells” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Come a little closer (Exclusive to this release)
2. Godzilla (Blue Oyster Cult cover, Exclusive to this release)
3. Set me free (Re-recording, Exclusive to this release)
4. Wicked dream (Re-recording, Exclusive to this release)
5. The dark Lord (Originally performed by Sam Gopal, with Lemmy)
6. Angela (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
7. Lying on iron (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
8. Black magic man (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)
9. Slave of grief (taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP)

The Review:

Psychedelic Witchcraft have just brought out their latest album 'Magick Rites and Spells'. This band certainly know how to churn out songs as their last album, the critically acclaimed 'The Vision' only came out back in April, 2016. 

We dive into the mystical land of the occult with 9 tracks comprising of 3 brand new tracks, 2 covers and 4 tracks from the “Black Magic Man” EP, released back in 2015.

Track 1, 'Come a Little Closer', starts the album off with some elegant, flowing guitar sounds before the main riff begins and Virginia Monti takes control, doing what she does best. Such a powerful voice which can also be toned down for those hypnotic lyrics, entrancing you as the song goes on. There's some great lead guitar work in this track too, providing just enough of a taste without overcompensating. It's a very enticing opening track and a great start to a superb album. 

Track 2 is a cover of 'Godzilla' by Blue Oyster Cult. This is the first time I’ve heard a female sing this song and it sounds absolutely fantastic. I saw Blue Oyster Cult a few months back and they played this song but to be perfectly honest, Psychedelic Witchcraft do a better job than B.O.C did live. It's also very refreshing seeing a couple covers. A lot of bands have strayed away from covering songs in recent years but when you can add your own signature touch, like these guys have, then by all means, cover that shit! 

Track 3, 'Set Me Free', is a true piece of Sabbathian occult rock. Everything blends incredibly well and there's still a lot of breathing room with the guitar and bass tones so it's not total overkill. Virginia's vocals soar over the top of some very tight riffage before a great breakdown with just drums and bass involved. This leads way to another ripping solo from Jacopo Fallai as the track comes to a close. 

'Wicked Dream' is the 4th track on the album and the last of the brand new, original material that is exclusive to this release. These guys create such a dark, gloomy vibe to rock and roll but it works a treat and the visual imagery and lyrical themes all work as a cohesive unit.

'The Dark Lord' is another cover of the famous Sam Gopal song that featured Lemmy on lead vocals. It is in itself a fucking incredible song and it's so great to see recognition of it and Psychedelic Witchcraft do a superb job at doing it justice. As much as I love original material, I'd love to see these guys do a full cover album just to see what they would pick and see how Virginia can lend her voice to pretty much anything and do a fantastic job.

Track 6 'Angela' is the first track taken from the “Black Magic Man” EP from 2015. This time round it sounds much more polished and it's great to see their older stuff rearing its head again. Psychedelic Witchcraft defined their style early on and they still stay true to the Coven-esque style of occult rock. There are also more current influences such as Blood Ceremony or Ruby the Hatchet who play very similar styles of music but I think Psychedelic Witchcraft are the most authentic occult-styled band. 

Track 7 'Lying on Iron' is another track from the “Black Magic Man” EP. It is a beautiful, yet haunting piece of music and one of the more mellow tracks on the album. The musicianship in this band is of a very high standard and the fusion of guitar, bass and percussion is extremely affective in creating this sound. The guitar solo uses a Jimi Hendrix 'Little Wing' sounding tone and works fantastically with the backing music. There are a million ways to describe how good Virginia's vocals are and yet again, she delivers an impeccable performance. 

Track 8 'Black Magic Man' is the title track from the EP of the same name. This was one of the first Psychedelic Witchcraft songs I heard and got me into listening to them. It definitely sounds a lot fuller this time round and reminded me why I love this band. Parts of this song remind me of early 90s desert rock but tainted with a hint of darkness. 

The final track on the album 'Slave of Grief' is also re-released from their debut EP. It has a very simple chord progression which is perfect for letting Virginia grab your attention with her lyrics and vocals. It slowly chugs along and opens up around the 3 min mark with another ripping, fuzzed out guitar solo. Some of the tones on this album are very thick and fuzzy and some are clean and appropriate to the style of each song. This one is steeped in that classic vintage fuzz tone. The drums are absolutely on fire towards the end of this track and it all culminates in a witch's cauldron of musical brilliance as the track fades out. 

'Magick Rites and Spells' is a fresh, authentic display of classic occult rock being performed in the present day. It's a blessing to see a band who are truly absorbed in this genre, leading the way for all modern day occultists to follow. It's a very well-balanced mix of old, new and cover songs and an incredible follow-up to the masterpiece that was 'The Vision'. This band are only getting started and I'm truly excited to see what the future holds for Virginia and the guys. 

“Magick Rites and Spells” is available here

Band info: facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: DOOL - "Here Now, There Then"

By: Ben Fitts


Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 17/02/2017
Label: Prophecy Productions

It is rare that an album is able to make one completely forget about their real world surroundings and bring them somewhere else entirely.  “Here Now, There Then” is an otherworldly brew of eeriness, effective hooks and nefarious rock and roll.  It is the soundtrack of a lost soul stumbling upon something evil and long forgotten, only to find it wide awake and waiting.

 

“Here Now, There Then” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Vantablack
2. Golden Serpents
3. Words On Paper
4. In Her Darkest Hour
5. Oweynagat
6. The Alpha
7. The Death Of Love
8. She Goat

The Review:

It is rare that an album is able to make one completely forget about their real world surroundings and bring them somewhere else entirely. On “Here Now, There Then”, that somewhere else is ancient, otherworldly, mystic and evil. Gloomy guitar chimes are interwoven with Ryanne van Dorst’s haunting vocals and a cryptic atmosphere. “Here Now, There Then” is the soundtrack of a lost soul stumbling upon something evil and long forgotten, only to find it wide awake and waiting.

The creators of this somewhere else are Dutch dark rock quintet DOOL. Given the natural ease with which DOOL administer their wicked mysticism, it might seem surprising at first that “Here Now, There Then” is actually the group’s first album. But DOOL’s obvious experience is explained, as their line-up boast membership in the occult rock outfit The Devil’s Blood, as well as the bands Gold and The New Media.

DOOL’s sound is in a similar vein to that of The Devil’s Blood (which featured both DOOL bassist Job van de Zande and drummer Micha Haring), and fans of The Devil’s Blood are sure to be satisfied with their rhythm section’s new project.  Both groups have a knack for crafting dreary but ridiculously catchy hooks, filled with arcane lyricism and bubble with witchy personality. But despite retaining many of the most lovable qualities of their former band, on “Here Now, There Then”, DOOL demonstrate they are very much their own band.

“Here Now, There Then” is packed full of headbangable guitar riffing, driving rhythms and nods to classic metal and doom that were not prevalent in the generally softer recordings by The Devil’s Blood. Although a rock band first, DOOL are not afraid to wander over the line where dark psychedelia gives way to heavy metal, as evidenced by tracks such as “The Alpha”, “Words On Paper” and “She-Goat”. Conversely, DOOL also demonstrate their ability to craft mellower sounds throughout the album, most notably on “The Death Of Love”. The standout track on the album is perhaps its second song, “Golden Serpents”. Striking the perfect balance between DOOL’s softer moments and their penchant for sinister heaviness, “Golden Serpents” features superbly crafted melodies, ghostly tones, powerful dynamics and general themes of the occult in abundance.  The blend of hooks and evil found on “Golden Serpents” will likely appeal to fans of Swedish breakout stars Ghost, and for good reason.

“Here Now, There Then” is an otherworldly brew of eeriness, effective hooks and nefarious rock and roll.  

 

“Here Now, There Then” is available preorder/buy here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook