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.

Wyatt E.

Lately, I've been listening to a healthy dose of Doom, no it's not because I'm a dreary individual but rather enjoy the strong, emotions that it evokes. So, I think it's only fitting that I continue on with another Doom entry and one from Belgium at that.

Wyatt E. are a down-tempo/Ambient Doom trio from Liege in Belgium. Like many, their work goes unnoticed so I think it my duty to give them credit where is due. Gathering musicians from other doom acts such as Deuil, Leaf House and The K;Wyatt E is a grand collaboration putting the collective minds of fellow Doom musicans together to create a great end product. With their first full release Mount Sinai/Aswan, containing 2 tracks and clocking in just at over 26 minutes we see just how much potential this group has. Some of the vibes I get are if Pelican were to play more down-tempo post-metal. While the description may not do it justice, the sound sure will. You can expect all sorts of elements molded within the constant Doomy vibes. The most notable absence is the lack of vocals. I don't think this harms the quality of the tracks in any way, as i think the guitars drive the songs forward and do a fine job at capturing every nuance. From post-rock to experimental and even middle eastern/tribal like elements these 2 tracks have it all.This is music that will surely captivate you with it's many qualities and is best enjoyed with minimal distractions. I very much look forward to see what Wyatt E. Will come up with next.