The debut full-length from Greek band Automaton is weighty, sludgy, coffin-lid-slamming Doom perfection.
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One of the better and most influential Doom acts to emerge in the 80s. Somehow along the way their name seems to have become lost amongst the new generation doo...
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Bestialord : Black Mass Wedding
The sophomore from US band Bestialord is a dark, Satanic exercise in '80s-style Doom Metal. |
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| A year has passed since Bestialord released their debut album 'Law of the Burning'. 'Black Mass Wedding' is their next offering and a clear step up in tightening their overall sound and playing. Whilst their first album was a little rough around the edges all these minor things have been ironed out with a fine album. Occult Horror Metal is where they dwell, and display darkness and themes of Satan. Chris Johnson on drums offers us plenty of Doomy fills and variety to keep us nodding along. Mark Anderson on guitars and vocals has tightened his solos whilst his vocals carry more range and excitement. Lastly Rob Harris on bass completes the cult. His melodies blend effortlessly with the music and I loved listening to his playing. 'Black Mass Wedding' will please many of this genre who like to keep their music dark and Satanic.
'Black Mass Wedding' dives straight into an '80s feel of Doom much like Diamond Head, Celtic Frost and Manilla Road. The riffs are big and powerful and catchy hooks set the tone nicely. It has a real good rhythmic feel to it. The song gets stronger as it goes along and I'm already singing along. The next couple of songs pretty much fall under the same melodic darkness. Mark's vocals delivery has enough bite and venom to carry across this feel of evil sounding Doom. The continuation of powerful chugging and booming bass really reminds me of Metallica's 'And Justice for All' (minus the bass) on 'Coven Of The Dead'. I really am digging the dark feel these guys can keep up through each song. Like I said the guitar work is all solid headbanging stuff with plenty of variety. 'Magna Mater' and 'Dr. Phibes'deliver again another horror story. 'Dr. Phibes' is based on the old movie and you can see these guys are huge horror fans. Songs such as 'Coven Of The Dead' was inspired by an Orson Welles film called Necromancy. I'm liking the mix on this album and everything feels more natural. The production is tight and sounds like the band has really gelled on this album. This is a album filled with fine moments and I had great fun listening to it. Maybe some may find the riffs repetitive and sounding the same but I love something you can bang your head along to so this suited me fine. Songs like 'Vengeance Needs Blood' showcase this with powerful rhythm sections with twisty hooks and choruses. I say lap it up and succumb to the horror that is Bestialord. Click HERE to discuss this review on the doom-metal forum. |
| Tracklist : 1. Black Mass Wedding 2. Coven Of The Dead 3. This World My Tomb 4. Magna Mater 5. Dr. Phibes 6. Vengeance Needs Blood 7. Writhe With Serpents 8. Now It Begins Duration : Approx. 40 minutes Visit the Bestialord bandpage. |
