Mourning
Beloveth 'The Sullen Sulcus'
This along with OPETH's "Deliverance" and DARKTHRONE's "Hate
Them" was quite possibly the album that had me biting my nails just
knowing it would arrive soon. Any of you who have read my review for MOURNING
BELOVETH's debut self-released masterpiece "Dust" should know
how highly I rate this band. I think that "Dust" is quite possibly
the best Doom Metal album side from MY DYING BRIDE's classic "Turn
Loose The Swans" and guess what... "The Sullen Sulcus"
is even better! The artwork featured here also deserves attention as it
was created by Paul McCarroll (www.unhinged-art.co.uk) and it fully captivates
the Doomish nature of the content. He is an extremely talented artist
who I would recommend to any band looking work done. Go visit his site...
OK enough with the art, on with the review... MOURNING BELOVETH have kept
that same winning form heard on "Dust" and developed it over
time to produce what is an amazing professional album form Ireland's undisputed
Doom Metal kings. "The Sullen Sulcus" is full of what can only
be described as perfect Doom Metal tracks executed and immortalised on
disc for all eternity to capture the spirit of melancholy. Unlike many
Doom Metal bands and albums MOURNING BELOVETH manage not to sound pretentious,
their pain and torment seem completely genuine and each section manages
to convince. The melodic nature of this band, their quality of song writing
and their ability to completely change the atmosphere into one of pure
dejection will capture your attention for the duration of this album and
manage to leave you stunned when the album finishes, and when it does
you feel empty, alone, nothing. This is a Doom Metal masterpiece. Overall
the song writing has improved and even if no track on "The Sullen
Sulcus" is able to surpass the mighty "Autumnal Fires"
from their previous effort (which might I add is the best Doom Metal song
in history) many come close ("The Insolent Caul", "My Sullen
Sulcus") and all are on a level par slightly above the other tracks
offered on "Dust" making this overall a better, more mature,
more powerful release. Excellent musicianship, the ability to progress,
experiment and find their own niche within the Doom Metal genre is what
has led this album to be already one of the best that will come out in
2003 (yes I am that confident!). Darren's grunts are as impressive as
ever and I must highlight Frank's clean vocals as they simply destroy
any other in the Doom genre. His powerful melancholic screams are simply
breathtaking when they are used here (and maybe they could have been used
a little more!). The dual guitars work very impressively here allowing
MOURNING BELOVETH to create their own style despite their obvious influences
as they create the melody and atmosphere by utilising the lead guitar
and not having to resort to other instruments like keyboards (or violins
or flutes...). This in itself is an amazing achievement as they can do
with just guitars, drums and bass what it takes most bands 5 or more instruments
to accomplish. One of the best albums to come from the country, one of
the best albums in a genre and one of the best albums I have ever heard.
Simply breathtaking. I urge everyone who likes Doom Metal please get this
release, you won't regret it. (Online March 13, 2003)
Niall
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