There are so many bands out there that I have yet to discover, I have to wonder if it is ever going to be possible to cover just the bases, without even thinking of delving deeper into each genre's offerings. So far, it seems more likely that I will only ever be able to scratch the surface.
Always in motion, always surveying the musical landscape for something different, something new, a wanderer without a home. And this is only in the world of metal, not even getting to other genres that I dabble in. Anyway, if you couldn't guess by the direction this is headed in, this is my first experience with purveyors of fine doom metal Solitude Aeturnus. I have just gotten a hold of thier latest release, Alone, and I have to say that it is an impressive piece of work. If you will forgive a perhaps clumsy analogy, the sound strikes me as a cross between the gothic darkness of Type O Negative and the progressive excess of Dream Theater. A joining of two disparate sounds creating technical dirges into doom and gloom.
Solitude Aeturnus do not construct songs, they design crushingly heavy, deviously slow, impressively technical excursions into darkness. Like a boatman taking you down a river into the moonlit night where you have an idea of where you are going, but you are completely out of control as to how you will get there, think the ferry in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The songs are long, the compositions complex, they have a sneaky way of drawing you in and holding you in thrall. It's quite the impressive album. Now, if this is a good example of doom metal, I do not know, what I do know is that I dared them to take me on journey, and the obliged. In return, they left me unscathed so I may take the journey again.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Great Review... Funny enough, I have heard of these guys but I don't believe I have listened to their material. Can't wait to try 'em out.
*BTW* you might wanna mention that these dudes are from Texas because that is a pretty big feat in itself considering that most Doom bands come from overseas.
If you want a brilliant Doom Metal band check out Candlemass - Tales of Creation(1989). Nothing technical but it has powerful emotion and ex-vocalist Messiah Marcolin has a powerful beautiful voice,Leif Edling was the balls on the axe, the songs are just really f*cking good AND its a concept album.
You know what's funny? I checked their website and Mr. Robert Lowe lent his vocal abilities for the new Candlemass Album. Though I am upset about Messiah, this will be an album to check out!! Atleast I hope...
2 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
*BTW* Candlemass - King of the Grey Islands and so far from what I have heard Mr. Lowe does a killer job & its a good album.