doom
I wasn't going to write reviews today. I really didn't feel like it,. Plus, I had other things to do, have my book printed for example. So there I was, preparing emails to send out to printers and searching for some music to play. In my mailbox, I noticed that this album by English doom horde Kroh had been released today. Doom metal is almost always a good companion so I opened the bandcamp page and pressed play. The intro started to play, which was interesting. Then 'Mother Serpent' kicked off and I completely forgot all about finding a printer for that book. Suddenly, I had a review to write. This stuff is awesome.
I think it's no secret that I absolutely love female fronted doom metal. Bathsheba and Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard are two of my favorite bands. Now I can easily add Kroh to that list. Olivia Sobieszek is an excellent vocalist, here and there even reminding me of Siouxsie or Zola Jesus. She certainly brings a sense of mystique to the whole thing, and power. Singing to these immense riffs and pounding drums can't be an easy task but here everything fits very well together.
And to think that this album almost never happened. Kroh had somewhat of a faltering start and split up after an album and a few eps. Now, with a new, rejuvenated line-up and a fresh approach to some of their old songs, this band is ready to blast out in the doom scene. Personally, I'm a big fan of that grinding guitar sound. It sounds like a battalion of tanks armed with massive chainsaws. On the other hand, there is plenty of room for melody and atmosphere, often even nudging towards the doom scene of the nineties.
If you force me to pick a favorite track, it will be 'Stone Into Flesh' but I promise you, every song on this album is worth the effort. I mean, the effort being "clicking on the bandcamp link above and pressing play", it's not that hard. And while you're there, click on "buy". This album is definitely worth your attention. If you're into doom metal, you can't miss out on this one. I certainly hope that this release will be supported with a European tour. If Kroh can add and energetic live performance to this music, they're heading straight towards doom superstardom.
Serge
I think it's no secret that I absolutely love female fronted doom metal. Bathsheba and Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard are two of my favorite bands. Now I can easily add Kroh to that list. Olivia Sobieszek is an excellent vocalist, here and there even reminding me of Siouxsie or Zola Jesus. She certainly brings a sense of mystique to the whole thing, and power. Singing to these immense riffs and pounding drums can't be an easy task but here everything fits very well together.
And to think that this album almost never happened. Kroh had somewhat of a faltering start and split up after an album and a few eps. Now, with a new, rejuvenated line-up and a fresh approach to some of their old songs, this band is ready to blast out in the doom scene. Personally, I'm a big fan of that grinding guitar sound. It sounds like a battalion of tanks armed with massive chainsaws. On the other hand, there is plenty of room for melody and atmosphere, often even nudging towards the doom scene of the nineties.
If you force me to pick a favorite track, it will be 'Stone Into Flesh' but I promise you, every song on this album is worth the effort. I mean, the effort being "clicking on the bandcamp link above and pressing play", it's not that hard. And while you're there, click on "buy". This album is definitely worth your attention. If you're into doom metal, you can't miss out on this one. I certainly hope that this release will be supported with a European tour. If Kroh can add and energetic live performance to this music, they're heading straight towards doom superstardom.
Serge
