Doomed For Metal Reviews

Arckanum is a one-man Swedish black metal band that formed in 1992 by musician and author  Shamaatae .  His latest album, “ Beswærilsin ,” is the project’s 10th full-length album, in addition to also having released numerous EPs, demos, splits and compilations. Some albums take a minute to latch on; others are noticeable from the get-go that they have potential.  Still, every now and then, an album is immediately enjoyable—-soon as I press play, I know for a fact the album will be worth my time.  Arckanum’ s “ Beswærilsin ,” is one of these albums.  The atmosphere, and I can’t really explain this per say, matches the cover art and it pulled me in from the opening spoken word and tribal-like beats of the opening song, “ Mz Fianda Raþi .” The production and mix make the album even better.  It’s foggy and mysterious, ancient and arcane, without sounding dated or muted.  The vocals are great and pierce through the veil to lead these 11 compositions deeper...

Halter is a death/doom band from Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl Oblast, Russia who formed in 2009.  Their latest release, “ Another Strong Hand For a Damned Land ,” is their fourth full-length album; they have also released an EP.  This is my first experience with this band but I’m walking away completely crushed by one of the heaviest straight up death/doom albums I’ve heard in this second half of the year.  Although it obviously has a despondent atmosphere (it’s doom!) with a keen sense of melody when needed (although not necessarily a melodic album, per say), this is a more riff and rhythm-based take on the genre. There are not long, atmospheric passages or minimalist ambience.  The album, thankfully, also lacks intros, outros, and pointless interludes which seem to plague music more and more these days.  This is seven complete, full songs that offer up death doom and then leave.  Nothing more, nothing less.  The runtime is just under forty minutes—the perfec...

Discouraged are a death/doom band from Germany who formed in 2024.  Their latest release, “A Farewell in Stages ,” is their full-length debut; they have also released a demo This album completely pulls off one of my favorite styles of all time:  melodic death/doom.  Beyond that, it isn’t just melodic–the melodies are typically completely fused with their more aggressive aspects, so it truly feels like death/doom that is melodic rather than melodic death/doom.  There is a difference and if you know, you know.     But there is a stark minimalist quality peppered throughout the album, in the form of clean instrumentation and tones.  These are used very smartly, always there to move the songs forward and heighten the atmosphere just enough without losing any of their primal potency. The vocals are utterly mesmerizing and fantastic:  deep/mid-range growls and screams that still have incredible inflections and are able to show off their own...

Ethereal Rot is an extreme metal band from Portland, Maine who formed in 2019.  This self-titled album is their full-length debut; they have also released two EPs.  Metallum describes their genre as ‘blackened technical death metal.”  That’s a mouthful and a lot to digest but honestly, it is a pretty accurate description.  I might even say it is progressive, as well.  The dynamics are insane, not only across the album as a whole but also within each individual song.   From one moment to the next, the band keeps you guessing as to what direction the next note might lead to.  With that being said, 6-song, 40-minute runtime flows very smoothly especially when considering how many details the band crams into every little nook and cranny.  There isn’t one second wasted and every moment has a purpose.  To that point, it is an adventurous album with a ton of energy but, at the same time, it is highly focused.  No matter what the songs may bri...

Wyrm Chasm is a black metal band from Texas who formed in 2015.  This self-titled release is their full-length debut but they also released an EP in 2015 and a split a few years later.   I’ve reviewed quite a bit of doom metal lately—but, despite that and the name of the blog, I'm not into just doom.  So, let’s dive into some black metal, mmmkay?  I haven’t heard their prior two releases, but this one is a solid debut album, no doubt about it.  It captures the visceral nature of black metal but it’s also melodic with a dark tone that’s almost Gothic in a way.  I wouldn’t say it’s theatrical, per say, as it’s not an album that takes the symphonic route, but it does have a loud, violent urgency to it that flows very well.  The album’s runtime of 40 minutes across eight songs is the sweet spot for the style but, honestly, it doesn’t even feel that long.  With all that being said, it isn’t melodic in an obvious Gothenburg way or an overly modern way ...

Silent Deep Ocean is a funeral doom solo band/project from musician Gregory Ritchey , who also helms the projects Abyssal Liturgy and his solo material under his name.  “ Essence of Existence II:  The Blood of Ghosts ,” is Silent Deep Ocean’s 7th full-length album.   Combining metal with symphonic textures or orchestral arrangements isn't anything new in metal but “ Essence of Existence II: The Blood of Ghosts ” successfully pairs the two seemingly desperate styles together better than most albums I've heard this year so far. It works so well because the orchestration matches the tone and atmosphere of the doom. None of the arrangements are bombastic or shoved out in front. They don't steal the limelight but instead act as another instrument to make the songs really shine.  On the other side of the music, the doom is a slow grind of death growls and riffs that feel like lead raining down from the skies. Even then, the funeral doom doesn't overtake its symphon...

Desolate Pathway is an epic doom metal band from London, England who formed in 2014.  Their latest release, “ Visions In Death ,” is their third full-length album.   The band started out as a four-piece founded by former Pagan Altar guitarist Vinny Konrad.  It seems they are down to two members, making this album the work of duo Maz Magzilla (songwriting) and Vinny Konrad (all instruments, apparently).  “ Visions in Death ,” is a wonderful album with many faucets to it.  Much do in part because of the absolutely insane vocals.  I say insane because Vinny covers a wide range of emotions, much like the music does.  The whole album has a hellish, bleak atmosphere yet the vocals sound like a deadly sermon being served from atop a mountain.   However, with that being said, they do have a certain actorly way to them and can also drip a lot of venom.  Much can be said of the music, but the many kick ass guitar solos can also be quite beaut...