Golgothan Remains - “Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death

Golgothan Remains is a death metal band from Australia, that formed in 2015. “Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death,” is their fourth overall release; they also have a demo and two full-lengths.

This short but very well executed tells a story in its 4 song, 20 minute runtime about two centuries-old creatures trying to find companionship but are unable to find it due to their evil spirit.

It's an interesting concept and the music matches it head-on with a surprisingly dynamic sound.

The atmosphere of the songs is incredible!  Black and doom metal elements can be found mixed in with their unrelenting death match. 

Because of these elements, there is a chilling and horrific mood in each of the songs. The doom and black metal elements help bring about an ancient, arcane feel. The result is an album that is as brutal as expected but it's often times subtle with its details.  

These subtle elements begin the EP on the first song “Methuselah,” and its intro that builds up as it slowly rises to a boil. The album’s production (handled by Greg Chandler from Esoteric) is perfect—hellish and deep without being overbearing. As such, the song sets a tone early on but even when it transitions to a burner, everything stays connected and smoothly flowing. 

“Tribulation,” begins with a burst of speed, maintaining the tempo on a bed of rumbling drums, blackened death riffs, and impressive extreme vocals. The bass is pretty damn sweltering, capturing the atmosphere at the song's most harrowing.  At the 3:45 mark, the song slows down a bit to open up the riffs to a steady but persuasive groove before sliding back into raging speed.

“Necropoles,” might be my favorite of the four songs. There is just this certain element to it that makes it stand out. It definitely showcases the band's knack for creating brutal music that's heavy on suffocating and dangerous sounds. 

“Andromeda,” ends the album with high energy, urgency, and a certain Mournful finality in the air. The vocals on this one are desperate and crazy, heightened by the drums which play as if they are on their own funeral march.  

Golgothan Remains’ “Bearer of Light, Matriarch of Death,” is an album that does a lot in its short runtime and builds a very in-depth world and compelling story. One of the better EPs I've heard this year!