So, since I've decided to lock myself in, I might as well blast some doom metal through my speakers and exorcise my anger and frustration with a thick wall-of-sound. Enter Italian doom band Black Oath. We're reaching back to the old days of the genre, when the term 'doom' wasn't yet added to 'metal'. Riff-worshiping heaviness in a tradition setting, reminding me of acts like Trouble, Candlemass or Solitude Aeturnus is exactly what I need right now.
It's already the third album by Black Oath. I have to admit that I didn't know the band before today but they certainly got my interest. While the music slowly drags itself along, the clean vocals narrate some mythical themes. In that aspect, and also in the combination between heavy guitars and clean vocals, this music reminds me a bit of power metal ballads by bands like Helloween. That being said, the songwriting capabilities are massive.
Judging from the technical and melodic quality, especially on songs like 'Flesh To Gold', Black Oath could well be a power metal band. They have the skills and the experience to pull it off. Flashing guitar solos, epic arrangements... They certainly have it all. Yet, I prefer the doomed version, the slow to mid-tempo thickness of vintage heavy metal. Here and there some instrumental post-elements seem to be added. I'm not sure if that's on purpose but it certainly adds a lot to the music, bringing an old genre to a new era.
Doomers of all ages, and old school heavy metal fans, you have to check this out. This simply is a fascinating blend of two old school genres which perfectly fits in today's metal revival scene. I'm quite sure this album will be a welcome addition to your collection since it's loaded with awesome songs. 'Sermon To Fire' is my absolute favorite and will appear on this audio-set a lot of times from now. So, thanks Black Oath, I'm feeling better again and I think I will enjoy the sun for a while now.
Serge