Consummatum Est - Hypnagogia (Silent Time Noise, 2010)

Track Listing:

1. Dolls And Ravens (12.17)
2. Hypnagogic Prospectus (12.17)
3. Consummatum Est (14.37)
4. Vertebra (11.15)

Synopsis: Consummatum Est can readily be deemed a funeral doom band and, whilst the term gothic is often used in relation to the style, "Hypnagogia" certainly lives up to that description such is the nature of the music. There are still some reminders of their blackened past throughout as each song ebbs and flows between metallic and quieter moments that are generally well integrated, particularly the female vocals and keys. Dark and atmospheric, "Hypnagogia" is an intriguing effort that does succeed in creating it's own identity within an established framework.

www.myspace.com/consummatumest

Mournful Congregation - The Book Of Kings (20 Buck Spin, 2011)

Track Listing:

1. The Catechism Of Depression (19.19)

2. The Waterless Streams (12.19)

3. The Bitter Veils Of Solemnity (12.02)

4. The Book Of Kings (33.10)

Synopsis: I discovered Mournful Congregation relatively late, much to my shame, however they have rapidly become one of my favourite bands and their latest album, "The Book Of Kings" easily demonstrates why this is the case. Even though they can be categorised as a funeral doom band, there is so much more on offer that this almost does them an injustice. This is dark, intelligent music and, whilst the opening and closing songs are immense, a song like "The Bitter Veils Of Solemnity" shows a completely different side being entirely acoustic yet no less moving. It is the constant light and shade that Mournful Congregation employ that makes them such a fantastic band and "The Book Of Kings" one of the best releases of the year just gone.

http://www.mournfulcongregation.com/