Indesinence - Vessels Of Light And Decay (Profound Lore, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Flux (0.59)
2. Paradigms (14.10)
3. Vanished Is The Haze (8.22)
4. Communion (6.00)
5. La Madruaga Eterna (4.03)
6. Fading (Further Beyond) (14.48)
7. Unveiled (13.42)

Synopsis: There is an inherent assurance of quality that comes with Profound Lore, even if everything they selectively release isn't to your taste there's no denying their attention to detail. My point? "Vessels Of Light And Decay" looks simply magnificent, the small picture above doesn't do it justice, and the music itself is no less impressive. After an ominous intro this release shows Indesinence to be another fine example of death doom done with conviction, imposing in its sprawling, crushing, miserable weight yet never lacking in substance. It has certainly been a good year for doom and "Vessels Of Light And Decay" stands high on the list.

www.indesinence.co.uk

Merrimack - The Acausal Mass (AFM, 2012)

Track Listing;

1. Vestals Of Descending Light (0.49)
2. Arousing Wombs In Nine Angles Pleroma (5.08)
3. Gospel Of The Void (5.16)
4. Beati Estis Cum Maledixerint Vobis (5.26)
5. Hypophanie (6.49)
6. Obstetrics Of Devourment (5.24)
7. Worms In The Divine Intestine (4.55)
8. Abortion Light (5.26)
9. Liminal Matter Corruption (8.27)

Synopsis: Like Behexen, I discovered Merrimack via their previous release "Grey Rigorism" and it was interesting to see that they had made the jump from Moribund to AFM, a label that have recently been signing more extreme bands after years of the more melodic end of metal.  It is clear that this change has given them greater resources to spread their dark message as everything about "The Acausal Mass" is polished to a razor sharp sheen with the artwork particularly impressive. Musically they don't challenge the black metal norm however this doesn't detract from the overall impact of what is a well written and performed release.