The epitome of doom and depression alike.
Cecilia A. Ondrey | Pittsburgh, PA | 05/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Surprising to see no review for this, so I thought I'd write one up. ...Actually, its not surprising. Doom metal is not a very popular genre. Especially funeral doom, which is generally the slowest (and most extreme) variety. Nevertheless, if you enjoy your metal slow and gloomy, this is for you.
This is the most brilliant and rewarding doom band I've come across. And, not to mention, one of the only ones thats consistently great. This band has never released bad (or even average) music. Its sad to see that even many into doom metal don't know or appreciate this band.
This is a collection of their early works. Before the release of their debut album. Some of the songs can seem a little experimental as I don't think their sound is fully realized yet on some of them. While, at the same time, other songs on here are perfect and flawless.
If you've never heard this band before...I can guarantee you that "An Epic Dream of Desire" will be one of the saddest songs you've ever heard. ...I can't stress enough that this is extremely powerful, emotional music. Perhaps even emotionally draining if you're giving it your full attention (which is the way you should listen to any music anyways). It far transcends the level most doom metal bands ever attain.
Musically, they go back and forth between very slow, very heavy, funeral doom with growled vocals and equally gloomy acoustic moments with clean vocals. The vocals are excellent. You know how most band's growled vocals aren't up to par? Not so here. In fact, Damon Good is probably my favorite as far as growling vocals go. Another reason why this is my favorite doom band is the twin guitar harmonies. Which isn't common among most doom bands. I think this is a real shame, I feel that doom and twin guitar harmonies work perfectly together.
Lyrically, this varies. From general doom fare (as heard in "Fading Light of a Dying Sun") to mysticism/esotericism/occult/spiritual subjects (as heard in "Astralic Dreams", as well as on their later work, which takes influence from Theosophical writings). This is a nice change of pace from typical doom lyrics, subjects unique to them. Which makes the listening experience all the more enjoyable, no cliches here.
Bottomline: If you like death-doom or funeral-doom this band has my absolute HIGHEST recommendation! And, while this collection is certainly essential, you'll want to listen to "The Monad of Creation" too. Absolutely flawless doom metal.
Other doom I recommend: Worship, Saturnus' "Paradise Belongs to You", Thergothon (a big influence for M.C.), Funeral's "Tragedies, Pantheist's "O Solitude", and Shape of Despair's "Angels of Distress". These are some of the best bands and albums when it comes to extreme doom, in my opinion.
I also highly recommend While Heaven Wept's "Chapter One" and Warning's "Watching From a Distance". Both of which represent the more depressing, emotional side of traditional doom. And, for this reason, I see them as the truest examples of the genre (and two of the best).
Good luck on your search for true doom (in a genre that has so many confusing mislabelings). Hope this has been a help to any newcomers."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1