Doomsday Sun is a doom metal band from the UK who formed in 2016. Their latest, "A Slow Agonising Rapture” is their second full-length album; they have also released three EPs.
“A Slow Agonising Rapture” is a punishing album but it has a lot of levels and degrees of dishing out that punishment. It's a deceptively simple album that has more layers than you might think upon the first listen.
I'd say doom fits their overall style but they have zero issues in mixing it up. There is a metric ton of groove throughout the album and a fair bit of hammering sludge.
In some ways, it's atmospheric as well although in a more indirect way. Make no mistake, this album is a punch to the FACE.
As if that wasn't enough, the album is full to bursting with catchy hooks. Every song has a moment that makes me want to get up a punch someone in the face. It might be a riff, or a vocal line or maybe even smack of the drums. But the band's musicianship is tight and they always kept it interesting.
The production and mix is spot on, pushing the tone of the instruments into a vibrant display of density while capturing the all important low end.
“Hostile Takeover,” opens the album and it's exactly the kind of song needed to grab attention and showcase what the band is all about.
The first riffs are slow and intense but the subtle keys heighten the atmosphere even further.
Vocally, Matthew's bellows are somewhere between a gritty, Sludge covered throat yell and death growls. He has a very commanding voice and adds a whole lot to the songs, especially in terms of his vocal rhythms/cadence.
Remember the catchy hooks I talked about earlier? This song is all hook after the 4 minute mark, offering riffs for days and a slick guitar solo. The lead guitar is consistently good and offers a lot more varying styles than what a lot of doom offers.
Songs like “Fool's Mythology” have huge stoner/psych vibes, what with the groove riffs and lead guitar.
Two different vocal styles are used on this song and it's a great dynamic as they trade off from each other. There are some rock sensibilities peppered throughout, especially in the solos and riffs that back those up.
The band isn't all grit, however. Their clean tones in “Convict of the New Law” for example are used well in their efforts to act as intros to the guitar. But even mixed in with the doom, it works.
The slow tempo grinds it's way to a faster beat as the song moves forward as yet another catchy chorus reveals itself.
After a surprisingly atmopsheric mid section, the song finishes strongly with a much faster paced approach.
“Utopian Blues” has a lot of variety, beginning with deep bass and desert like clean instruments. There is a smokey, and folky, singer/songwriter approach to the song before the doomhammer drops. Of course, it brings with it another catchy chorus. The placement in the track list for this song is thoughtful, adding a little twist so late in the album.
The title track is downright filthy and perfectly named. There is a menacing tone throughout the song but the groove around the hallmark is KILLER. From this point forward, it's precision strike after strike.
“Another Day, Another Horror” is my favorite song on the album and a great way to end it. The lead guitar is loaded with infectious flair and the whole song has a steady rhythm that flows like an avalanche. The vocals during the stanzas are particularly biting while the cleans are catchy.
Ultimately, “A Slow Agonising Rapture” is a doom metal album that presents itself in a variation ways with clever songwriting but still bring the sonic density expected of the genre. There is a lot of talent within this band and they use it very well to create engaging music.
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