Doomherre - Plaguelords

Doomherre is a Swedish doom metal band who formed in 2021. Their latest release “Plaguelords” is their second full-length album.

I reviewed their debut “Bonegoat” a couple years ago for Metal Temple; I found it to be an impressive debut so does Doomherre continue their upward march or do they fall into the sophomore slump?

Short story? They are better than ever. Long story? Read on.

The power trio upgrades their power to massive currents and nonstop surges. “Plaguelords,” is more groovy and harder hitting than the debut. However, it is also more melodic when it needs to be–and catchy as hell in places. 

The production is much more dynamic and explosive. Each instrument hits loud and true with a lot of weight behind each note. The bass is notable, a constant thunderous performance that boosts the entire band to the next level. The drums are both crisp and sharp—holding down a foundation but making plenty of movements on their own. The vocals are clean but rough when needed and always expressive. What can be said of the riffs? A tsunami of notes.

But even though this album is doom as early fuck, it nuanced in a way that puts a big ol grin on my face. A quick little groove here, a catchy vocal line there, moments of melodic bass and drums that generate an atmosphere all their own.

There isn't one bad song on the album—all killer, no filler indeed. Check out the opening song “Serpent Shrine,” with its outstanding chorus and the bass guitar that moves along with it. The guitars and drums both hit with groove and slabs of doom--complenting each other tenfold.

“Wraith of a Mountain God,” is furious with vocals that call down thunder from a storm filled sky. The chanting of “March!” with the grooves is infectious as hell and more than a little intimidating. The middle passage is a steamroller….that's also on fire. 

“Dark Hand,” is both mysterious and occult, an Arcane song that also happens to feel the need to bash some heads. Pretty much every riff is badical (badass + radical) and the solo is memorable. 

This song flows right into “Dead Ship Bay.” This song has a jaunty rhythm as the vocals bellow out a raging fire that ignites a huge fire. Parts of the song are hypnotic and melodic, in a surreal way but also strangely catchy. 

The album finishes with one of the best songs in the form of the mini epic “This Burning Guilt.” After the chorus soars through, the song becomes a battering ram for riffs for over a minute. This passage is followed by a clean but melodic section that is just EPIC.

Doomherre's “Plaguelords” is an impressive doom album that showcases a band that is at the top of their game—and going to ascend higher of that I've no doubt.

Rating: Excellent