Beithíoch

Beithíoch is a black/death/doom metal band from Ireland. The name means (Irish) ‘Beast' Reportedly beginning with an "ambient black metal" sound on Aisling Dhorcha, it has develoed into into something described as being more powerful, and a tad folky. "Conquest draws on historical stories of massacre, battle and rebellion - combining the muscle of early Amorphis with the compositional sensibilities of Burzum in an album exploring the savagery inherent to human nature." Wicked. I'm in.

As I hit play, I am immediately clubbed with a combination of Portal and Abyssal meets Viking
metal. Racing tremolos lead us to battle with "The Fury of the Sea." The unique melodies are quite intriguing at times. The layering of reverb and hooks in the distance creates a sound full, much like a battleground filled with the immediate clashing of swords and more distant cries of agony. And when things get fast, the enemy is pulverized.

But you'll remember doom was mentioned here as well. As with the fluctuations of Behold! The Monolith, other songs have a strong doom element as with "Smashing the Shrines." The mixture of funeral and more classic Sabbath sounds with black and atmospheric death continues to walk the path of keeping things fresh. There's even a small dose of ambient on a few tracks.
But whether it's this sludgy slowness or the raging blastbeats of "Conquerers," save room for a helping of big chunky distortion. Some similarities to Dalkhu, but with a bit more early Amon Amarth in its veins. "The Ruins of a Forgotten People" instrumental would have fit nicely on the last Portal album as well. But no matter the comparisons, Conquest is the sound of warriors riding each other down in limbo, forever reenacting battles long since over. Yes, some very Dante-esque Viking metal. Time speeds up and slows down for the kills, but this is less The 300 and more Valhalla Rising. The album even ends similar to how it started, beginning the cycle once more.
So if that sounds like your sort of thing, definitely check this out. It's a different take on on genre fusions that kept me going. You can stream and buy below, as usual.

Courtesy of Metal Trenches 

Oldd Wvrms

It's been just little over two months since i reviewed Oldd Wvrms First Release 

and it didn't take much time at all for me to review their second. It of course helps a bit when the band themseles come forward by giving me such an opportunity to share my experience and of course discover them (though I'm surprised anyone knows about my blog ahah). 

Leaving off where they did with their first release, the opening track Corrosive continues off in the same vain with powerful, piercing vocals and killer riffs. This I think right here is the theme and the driving force that gives the album it's character and oomph. The EP is not super-fancy with ultra complex sturctures or any bits of charm but it's just straight, in your face Doomy Sludge. Straight to buisness, full of attitude and ferocious just how I like it. If you like this approach to your Doom/Sludge then I think you will thoroughly enjoy this release and won't be disappointed. Here'sto hoping that Oldd Wvrms wastes no time and gets back into music writing mode.

Oldd Wvrms

                                                 

I'm not quite sure what it is about smaller European nations but they sure know how to churn out quality Doom metal tunes. Oldd Wvrms are no exception who are a Doom/Sludge quartet from Belgium. Like other solid Belgian acts ala Amenra, Pantheist, and Wijlen Wij just to name a few; Oldd Wvrms continue on with the with the tradition  of  playing gloomy doom. While their first release consists of only two songs, this quartet from Houffalize manages to capture the very essence of the raw nature of sludgy doom in a jam packed 16 minutes. The guitars are glum and filthy, and vocals are of piercing caterwauling like any good Sludge should be. While it is abrasive at times, it still pays tradition to old-school doom with heavy filled riffs at the helm of the driver seat. With releases of such quality as this, it's only a matter of time until Oldd Wvrms too are a household name in the Belgian doom scene.

 

 

 

 

Reverorum Ib Malacht

 

Reverorum Ib Malacht are perhaps one of my faovurite cult bands. The atmosphere produced is simply haunting and immersive. The ritual-like ambiance sucks you in like a thick haze, and the murky tone of the guitars really enhances the listening experience. I for one believe it's even good to meditate to with the suffocating ambiance. While the production is anything but crystal clear, it rather suits the sinister and at times haunting vibes. Sit back, and get lost in the music.

Discography

Occurrences In Rain  

 



Switching things up a bit this week, I've decided to pick something a little more mellow, well actually much mellower. Occurrences in Rain is an experimental dark ambient collaboration between American artist G M Slater and Polish artist Bruno Janiszewski. The music is extremely calm, allowing the listener to get lost within, if the listener is patient. Occurrences in Rain is the perfect soundtrack to kick back, and relax to on a dreary, rainy day.

Discography
Occurrences In Rain - 2010
Memories Suspended - Falling - 2011
Wafting Magic - 2011
Influence of Outside Systems - 2011
Shadows in The Field of Flowers - 2011