Lake Of Depression - To Become Nothing

Lake Of Depression is a funeral doom/death metal band from Panama, who formed in 2005.  Their latest, “To Become Nothing,” is their seventh overall release.  They have also released a demo, three splits, and two full lengths. 

I have reviewed their two full lengths for Metal Temple and both of them received high praise from me.  “To Become Nothing,” might be a much shorter experience but that experience is just as rich and potent as anything they have done. 

This EP consists of two songs and both are of representative high quality of where the genre stands in this modern age.  The production and mix is very well balanced, allowing for the classic gloomy sound so often found in the genre but gives the instruments, and the liminal spaces between them, plenty of breathing room.

“To Become Nothing,” is the first song, and an interesting one at that.  The first few, precious moments are quiet but low tones, clean instrumentation that keeps the spirit  of the genre alive with its moody tones.  As the seconds tick by, drums and bass enter the fray as the instrumentation becomes more involved.  Spoken word arrives at this point, adding a Gothic feel to the atmosphere. 

Melodic guitar arrives next as the clean instrumentation gives way to glorious funeral doom.  The death vocals are deep and harrowing—they contrast against the guitar yet the two work so well together that one could not exist without the other.  The synergy among the elements of this EP is nothing short of amazing. 

I really enjoyed the Gothic style guitar solo about halfway through the song.  It seamlessly blends into the very depressive movement that pushes the song back into heavier waters around the 4:49 mark.

“Entre Sombras,” begins in a much more immediate way.  The bass is massive and digs deep under the earth to pull up these ultra heavy tones.   The guitars are magical, casting out somber melodies that mix with the bass to create a heavy atmosphere that is also very memorable.  About a quarter of the way through an ambient section bridges the gap between the two heavier halves—a very wonderful moment that works so well for the song. 

The song’s ending is monumental—-deep growls, rich guitar tones and pulsating bass carry the song to the darkest of reaches and bleakest of ends.  

I can’t wait for another full-length but this two song EP has a lot of replay value and is a definite must listen for fans of funeral or extreme doom.