Monday, February 20, 2012

Bongripper - Satan Worshipping Doom

Genre: Doom Metal
Origin: USA
Release Date: 2010
Label: Independent

This album is the essence of what Doom Metal has become. Influences come from all over the place, everything from the crushing tones of Sunn O))) to the classic vibes of Black Sabbath. As the band name suggests, this is best listened to after a slew of bong hits (for satan). The sound is reminiscent of the recent influx of Stoner/Doom bands yet feels refreshing and original.

The album artwork isn't the only awesome thing on this album. The guitar tone on Satan Worshipping Doom is crushing as Hell, the drums are slow and menacing yet not afraid to pick up the pace here and there, while the bass provides a nice bottom-end rumble to the whole package. There are no vocals on this psychedelic trip across the Styx, and therefore the focus of the album is on the crushing riffs and pounding drums. I cannot stress how massive these riffs are, this is a must-buy for any fan of the slower brands of Doom Metal.

1. Hail 13:44
2. Satan 11:37
3. Worship 16:00
4. Doom 11:53
53:14

Monday, February 13, 2012

Primordial - A Journey's End

Genre: Folk/Black/Pagan
Origin: Ireland
Release Date: 1998
Label: Misanthropy Records

Primordial is well-known for their later epics, mainly To The Nameless Dead and The Gathering Wilderness. They are much less known for their early black metal material. This is their second album, and it is very black-metal inspired, yet sounds much like a folk album. This album takes us through 7 tracks of epic pagan-inspired metal.

A Journey's End gives us a very anthemic feel, but not as much as their later works. The black metal roots still hold here, and a mix of a deeply emotional clean vocals and harsh, angry -yet still emotional - growls. The overall sound is melodic and nothing stands out right away, all of the instruments mold together into one. The sound is distinctly Primordial, and instantly recognizable.

Most bands never even dream of being as emotional as Primordial are. The band has deep passion behind their music, and it shows.


1. Graven Idol 08:06
2. Dark Song 05:06
3. Autumn's Ablaze 08:17
4. Journey's End 08:01
5. Solitary Mourner 02:56
6. Bitter Harvest 10:34
7. On Aistear Deirneach 04:28
Total: 47:28