doom / sludge / black metal
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THISISNOTABANDSHIRT - exclusive shirt designs by members of Merchants Of Air
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And whop, Belgium strikes again. Is it the current political and social condition our country is in or is everybody simply starting to exorcise his demons in a crushing and brutal way? Is Belgium becoming the ultimate doom country? Perhaps, one day, there will be a documentary on doom metal and Giorgio A. Tsoukalos (The 'Aliens' guy for 'Ancient Aliens') will open his arms and say 'Belgians'. And why not, look at what this country spawned: Bathsheba, AmenRa, Insanity Reigns Supreme, Hemelbestormer and now A Thousand Sufferings.
Because damn, what a monster have they unleashed upon the world. Combining the groove of stoner doom with the bleak atmosphere (and vocals) of black metal, these guys delivered something primitive and deadly. In four songs, the first one being a great dark ambient intro, this quartet brings the listener back to the core of doom metal: thick riffs and utter desperation. Think Winter, think Voivod, think Yob, think old and stripped down My Dying Bride. Most of all, think punishing live performances in absolute darkness.
Apart from the intro, the songs on this album are massive pieces of blackened doom metal, at times almost ritualistic and hypnotic in nature. Although there is traditionally not very much variation in this genre, A Thousand Sufferings still managed to come up with highly immersive songs. Halfway through 'Lamentation', I am completely unaware of my surroundings, drenched in a delightful whirlpool of harsh doom metal. You better believe I love this stuff. It's like searching for a glimpse of light in impenetrable darkness
2016 is going to be an awesome year for the Belgian doom metal scene, with bands like this one leading the new generation to new levels. It's about time we get some of these bands together and have them conquer Europe. This stuff is way too good to be left in oblivion, and I'm not saying that out of patriotism (that would be a hilarious joke) but simply as a doom metal fan. So check it out, you just might find a new favorite band here...
Serge
Because damn, what a monster have they unleashed upon the world. Combining the groove of stoner doom with the bleak atmosphere (and vocals) of black metal, these guys delivered something primitive and deadly. In four songs, the first one being a great dark ambient intro, this quartet brings the listener back to the core of doom metal: thick riffs and utter desperation. Think Winter, think Voivod, think Yob, think old and stripped down My Dying Bride. Most of all, think punishing live performances in absolute darkness.
Apart from the intro, the songs on this album are massive pieces of blackened doom metal, at times almost ritualistic and hypnotic in nature. Although there is traditionally not very much variation in this genre, A Thousand Sufferings still managed to come up with highly immersive songs. Halfway through 'Lamentation', I am completely unaware of my surroundings, drenched in a delightful whirlpool of harsh doom metal. You better believe I love this stuff. It's like searching for a glimpse of light in impenetrable darkness
2016 is going to be an awesome year for the Belgian doom metal scene, with bands like this one leading the new generation to new levels. It's about time we get some of these bands together and have them conquer Europe. This stuff is way too good to be left in oblivion, and I'm not saying that out of patriotism (that would be a hilarious joke) but simply as a doom metal fan. So check it out, you just might find a new favorite band here...
Serge
