BRETUS - The Shadow Over Innsmouth (Album Review)

Album Type: Album

Date Released: April 18^th 2015

Label: Blood Rock Records

The Shadow Over Innsmouth - Track Listing

1.Intro 01:16

2.The curse of innsmouth 06:05

3.Captain Obed Marsh 06:14

4.Zadok Allen 07:07

5.The oath of dagon 07:38

6.Gilman house 05:10

7.The horrible hunt 05:28

8.A final journey 07:47

Members:

Ghenes (High and Low Guitars),

Zagarus (Vox),

Azog (Bass),

Striges (Drums)

Review:

I'm a huge fan of Italian Doom/Stoner Metal misfits – Bretus. I've reviewed a couple of their past releases so I already know what to expect from their 2^nd album – The Shadow Over Innsmouth - with their blend of Doom/Stoner Metal with dark and creepy Occult Rock overtones.

This album is a very different beast compared to their past releases as this one is heavier with more emphasis on mood and atmospherics that 70s/80s Old School Doom Metal fans will appreciate the most. The Curse Of Innsmouth is a loud as hell song that sees Bretus pay homage to their musical heroes whilst still keeping the mood very modern. Zagarus is the demented storyteller spinning tales of things that go bump in the night. The music has quite an experimental feel where the atmosphere goes through many different stages of Doom/Stoner Metal as Bretus change the riffs from one moment to the next.

If you're a fan of Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath and Deep Purple you will be in your element here as Bretus love the 70s legendary sound where the ideas were as loud as the riffs. The Shadow Over Innsmouth already has it's fair share of admirers including my good friend Lucas who did a fantastic review on his blog. His review will tell you all you need to know as he's perfectly described what the album is all about.

One of my fave moments from the album is on 3^rd track – Captain Obed Marsh – as it's another crazy psychedelic offering that shows you what Bretus can do that some bands can only dream for. I love how the band create different sounds and noises that shouldn't really work. I'm pretty sure I've heard influences such as Queen and even a few NWOBHM bands on this song. I maybe hearing things but you can't deny this isn't a fantastic song that's packed full of superb Doom/Hard Rock moments to listen to over and over again,

The album can be very dark and intense at times as Bretus thrive on their doom and gloom reputation. Though that's what makes Bretus such an exciting prospect in Doom/Stoner Metal world. They're willing to take risks with their music and blend different genres that shouldn't really work but they pull this off with style. What you end up with is an exciting and brave album that's packed with tons of scary moments and kick-ass riffs to to rock out to.

Do yourself a favour and buy this album now. It's seriously that good. Awesome stuff!!!

Thanks to Bretus for the promo. The Shadow Over Innsmouth is available to buy on BandCamp Now

Words by Steve Howe

For More Information

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BRETUS - S/T - EP Review

Album Type: EP

Date Released: March 2014

Label: Doom Cult Records

BRETUS – EP - track listing:

01. Sitting On The Grave

02. From The South

03. Dark Cloaks

04. In Onirica

05. The Only Truth

Bio

Bretus takes form in the mind of Ghenes in 2000. The band was born to homage a kind of music (Doom / Stoner / Psychedelic) and its great interpreters. Bretus are born with the desire to introduce the tracks to the many lovers of the underground. Together with Neurot they composed some tracks and in 2008 recorded with the fundamental help of Zagarus (Voices) and Sest (Drums). These songs have gone out for the first demo cd composed by 4 tracks.

In 2009 Bretus composed 5 new tracks inspired by horror tales writers as H.P. Lovecraft, movies directors as Mario Bava and others. In 2010 MadDie Records produced "Bretus" MCD. It received good reviews by zines and webzines, and some songs of MCD are also published in the Italian "Desert Sound Compilation" ,"Droning Earth vol.16" (Finlandia) and "Doom Metal Alliance sampler vol. II" (USA).

In the 2011 Faunus(Guitar) and Striges (Drums) come into the band. Bretus enter in studio for the recording sessions of the new full length.

In 2012 "In Onirica" was out(CD Version By Arx Productions, Tape version by The Arcane Tapes)."In Onirica" was out also on Bloodrock Records on vinyl version (distributed by Black Widow Records).

The response at it was so good that the band was invited to take part on some fest like the MALTA DOOM FEST 5th edition or DOOM OVER VIENNA IX. Some songs of "In Onirica" are also published in Doom Over The Crypt Compilation (Italy), Doom Metal Front Compilation 7 (Germany) , Doommantia III (USA), Desert Sound vol.5 (Italy).

The Band Members

Ghenes: High and Low Guitars

Zagarus: Vox

Azog: Bass

Striges: Drums

Review:

I originally featured Bretus back in 2012 when I reviewed their debut album – In Onirica – which left quite an impression from me as these demonic Sludge/Doom/Stoner Metallers had some creepy riffs to go with their eerie tales of the occult.

Well their 2010 S/T debut EP is being re-released by Doom Cult Records and I have been asked to check it out. And it's one seriously creepy affair that cranks up the tension with some impressive doomy atmospherics. First track – Sitting On The Grave is probably the highlight of the entire EP as it shows what Bretus is all about.

70s Doom Metal/Hard Rock matched against some modern day Stoner/Sludge based riffs. If you're a fan of Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus and more modern day Occult Rock bands then Bretus will speak volumes to you. Though it's quite refreshing to hear that Bretus talent was evident on this spellbinding EP.

Second Track – From The South – is the perfect embodiment of Italian Doom Metal. It captures the band in one hell of a violent psychotic mood which just adds even more menace to the doomy atmospherics oozing from your speakers. Sure there is more of a hint of Sabbath riffage going on but when the music is this good you don't fucking care. Embrace the madness and you will have one hell of a wild ride.

Third track – Dark Cloaks – is a gloomy doom based instrumental number which is very slow in nature and in tone. Nothing much happens but it does show the band in more experimental moods.

The EP's last two tracks In Onirica and The Only Truth returns the band to their realm of doom and gloom with two superb tracks that shows you why Bretus are highly thought of within the Doom/Stoner Metal world. As these two tracks just kick-ass. Heavy pounding riffs to get your teeth stuck into. Hold on as Bretus are going to take you on a hazy trip that you will be coming back to time and time again.

If you haven't heard of Bretus before then this is the perfect introduction to the band. Be prepared for something special.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Thanks to the band for sending me a copy to review. Bretus S/T EP is available to buy now from Doom Cult Records.

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Written by Steve Howe