ALBUM REVIEW: Godthrymm, "Distortions"

By: Richard Maw
 
Album Type: Full Length
Date Released: 18/08/2023
Label: Profound Lore

“Distortions” track listing:
 
1. As Titans
2. Devils
3. Echoes
4. Obsess and Regress
5. Unseen, Unheard
6. Follow Me
7. Pictures Remain
 
The Review:
 
Yorkshire doom metal is a specific genre very close to my heart and here we have some of the finest practitioners of the genre doing what they do best. If you like the idea of epic doom metal, evocative of grim windswept landscapes and endless rain, then Godthrymm are also for you.
 
This is epic in scale and scope; everything over six minutes in length, with two of the tracks stretching to 11 mins plus. The band comprise ex-members of, deep breath, Vallenfyre, My Dying Bride, Anathema and Solstice. So, doom metal royalty? Pretty much.
 
Led by Hamish Glencross on guitars and vocals, the band sound incredible- massive and with plenty of dynamics via the use of keyboards from Catherine Glencross (who adds ethereal vocals to proceedings in places) and a rock-solid rhythm section courtesy of Bob Crolla and Shaun Taylor-Steels.
 
This is doom in the traditional sense of the word; emotive clean vocals, occasionally pummelling drums, huge riffs and a generally sad and melancholic feel all add up to a very atmospheric listen. The suitably massive “As Titans” opens up proceedings with a big statement of intent while “Devils” equals the opener for dark vibes.
 
There is variety here. “Unseen, Unheard” features a fast section of riffage and each song features a lot of oppressive weight and some lighter textures as well. The production is excellent; clear and huge with echoey vocals set at the top of the mix within their own space. There is no title track, but the epic penultimate track “Follow Me” perhaps serves as a mission statement for the record- it features most facets of the release in one sprawling epic. The band close with “Pictures Remain” which leaves a bitter-sweet melancholy for the listener to ruminate upon.
 
As an aural reference point, all the bands mentioned above and- of course- Paradise Lost fit the bill. It’s hard to convey just how much I enjoyed this on first listen; it’s massive, majestic, ethereal, earthy and every bit as atmospheric and epic as it should be. A must listen/must buy for fans of the genre.
 
“Distortions” is available HERE 

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Godthrymm, "Reflections"

By: Peter Morsellino

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 14/02/2020

Label: Profound Lord

“Reflections” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Monsters Lurk Herein

2). Among The Exalted

3). The Sea As My Grave

4). We Are The Dead

5). The Light Of You

6). The Grand Reclamation

7). Cursed Are The Many

8). Chasmic Sorrows

The Review:

A powerful mix of brooding doom and anthemic theatricality, Godthrymm bring forth a masterpiece of gothic rock.  Dramatic and brawny with a deep emotional inflection.  With an eclectic combination of styles mixing together to form a cohesive sound, “Reflections” is surely worth a listen.

Throughout “Reflections” one could find comparisons to later period Iron Maiden tracks as well as the deep gloom of My Dying Bride. Every track is dripping in emotion, setting up a scene for the listener to lose themselves within, at times, acting more like a musical score than anything else.  Atmospheres are thick, setting the stage, while rhythms take on multiple forms. From tribal grooves to static mood elements to driving metal beats, drums take this theatrical concept to a whole new level.

Guitars are layered thick throughout “Reflections”.  Beautiful harmonies are plentiful, with heavily textured chords filling in the sound powerfully.  Solos are emotive in a very classical style that create an immersive experience that pulls the listener in and holds them in their grip.  They never seem overbearing though, serving the songs principally.

Vocals are a diverse mix, that really standout. With a dramatic flair that conveys a warmth and sentiment that is missing in much of modern music. They can range from swooping melodies to a crunchy growl. Harmonies are well placed, coming in at just the right moment, creating a haunting dynamic experience.

In my opinion, this one is best enjoyed all at once. Carve yourself out an hour to sit down and give this one a listen. Take in the stories that it will tell. Get lost in it and enjoy.

“Reflections” is available HERE

Band info: facebook