Prophets of Thwaites - Vulnerant omnes ultima necat

Prophets of Thwaites is a doom metal band, based in Friesland/Groningen, formed in 2024. After a demo and a couple of live studio recordings, the band is ready to drop their debut EP “Vulnerant omnes ultima necat.”

The album’s title translates “All things wound but the last kills” which, in turn, is a reminder of our mortality–each passing hour brings us closer to death.

Hell, even the band's name is a sign of our never ending march off a long cliff: the band takes its moniker from the melting Thwaites Glacier—a sign of never being able to turn back damage.

But even as your body continues to crumble to dust as your mind collapses into madness, I think you should still spare 14 minutes of your impending doom to check out this short but sweet (well, not really sweet since this is doom after all) EP.

It is always quantity not quality--and these Prophets definitely bring the quality. The band plays a dynamic sound on the two songs. There are definitely elements of psych and stoner doom. The fuzz that emanates from their instruments is definitely not shrinking—it is growing, towering beast.

Their music is always atmospheric and, at times, even what I would cal haunting and even Gothic. 

And above all, it is HEAVY with riffs for days. It has a slow, crushing tempo that shows the best side of the genre. The way they combine these styles in one cohesive force is impressive. 

Esma's vocals and guitar are both nothing short of spectacular. Her ghostly and ethereal croons go a long way in highlighting the band's atmospheric side. Her guitar jamming brings the heaviness but her leads are just as expressive as her vocals.

Of course, she doesn't carry the load alone. Ferry's bass is unquestionably crushing but it doesn't stay in one spot like a stone. His style his fluid and freeing, moving through the rhythm and foundation to give it the much needed low end while also using the freedom to explore.

Nico's drums are pure fire. He lives in a world where he can find a tight pocket to play in but is equally as comfortable venturing out. He has a knack for complimenting the songs while bearing the foundational load yet his style is all his own. 

The first song, “A Deadlock,” opens with this massive, sinister tone. Speaking of tone, each instrument sounds amazing. Really good production and mix on these songs. The bass slaps and offers its own take on the riffs. I like how the drums hit at just right moments, pulling the attention around to each part of the song.

The hazey, smokey vocals are a contrast to the heaviness yet they are just as intense and emotional as the doom. At the 4:28 mark, the song goes into overdrive with groove, groove, and more groove. Oh and some groove.

The solo is fantastic–amazing chops and it runs into some more groove which then goes into another solo. The ending has more riffs than my head could handle with another solo. Damn this song is exhausting in the best way.

The title track is next and it's so goddamn cool. The opening is bombastic with the as they hammer in the groove. The rest of the song has a sort of stoner-ish laid back feel to the tempo yet nothing about it laid back at all—its super dense with a real tangible weight to the instruments. 

The song is at its best when the vocals and solos are going at the same time–adds to the psychedelic feel and makes it just tripping enough without being too out there.

The 5 minute mark on the way to the end is an all out jam session that only doom metal can provide. The music hits relentlessly, rolling waves of power just smacking against the eardrums over and over.

Prophets of Thwaites’ “Vulnerant omnes ultima necat” is one powerfully little EP that absolutely shouldn't be missed by anyone who likes doom, even if it's just the slightest curiosity. I cannot wait for their full-length debut! 

Rating: Excellent