Worship - Dooom (Endzeit Elegies, 2007)

Track Listing:

1. Endzeit Elegy (8.38)

2. All I Ever Knew Is Dead (8.24)

3. The Altar And The Choir Of The Moonkult (8.11)

4. Graveyard Horizon (9.41)

5. Zorn A Rust-Red Scythe (8.06)

6. Devived (8.17)

7. Mirror Of Sorrow (9.44)

8. I Am The End - Crucifixion Part II (11.50)

Synopsis: It has taken some time for me to obtain a copy of this CD but persistence certainly pays off and it was well worth the effort. Worship are one of the bleakest funeral doom bands you are likely to hear however, despite their minimalist outlook, they do manage to incorporate  embellishments such as deep, clean vocals, melodic leads, choirs and piano that add some degree of respite from the generally oppressive atmosphere. "Dooom" certainly isn't an easy listening experience by any measure but, like all good doom albums, it remains steeped in palpable misery which, given the history of the band, comes as no surprise.

http://www.worshipdoom.wordpress.com/

www.myspace.com/worshipdoom

Blood Red Throne - Brutalitarian Regime (Sevared, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Brutalitarian Regime (2.53)

2. Graveworld (3.30)

3. Trapped, Terrified, Dead (4.53)

4. Eternal Decay (4.14)

5. Games Of Humiliation (4.17)

6. The Burning (3.59)

7. Proliferated  Unto Hemophobia (4.24)

8. Melena (4.16)

9. Parnassian Cacoepy (5.09)

10. Twisted Truth (3.47)

Synopsis: It's business as usual for Blood Red Throne, if you've heard any of their releases you'll know what to expect, however signing to Sevared Records seems to have had a positive influence as "Brutalitarian Regime" is their most consistent effort to date. The songs are strong and they appear to have realised the potential hinted at previously. The Pestilence cover to round off the album is a nice touch as well.

Einherjer - Norron (Indie, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. Norron Kraft (12.54)

2. Naglfar (5.11)

3. Alu Alu Laukar (2.51)

4. Varden Brenne (6.19)

5. Atter Pa Malmtings Blodige Voll (8.13)

6. Balladen Om Bifrost (5.50)

Synopsis: Despite the fact that Einherjer have been in existence since 1993, give or take a few years, and have released a four albums in that period "Norron" is the first of their releases I have actually bought. This could be because I have never been the biggest follower of "Viking Metal" but I have come away impressed with what they have come up with here. Whilst their music is based upon traditonal riffs and themes they have also incorporated epic elements throughout, particularly in opener "Norron Kraft" which is the best song on the album. It took a few listens to fully appreciated but, in the end, "Norron" is one of the better releases I have heard in this stye.

http://www.einherjer.com/

www.myspace.com/einherjermusic