There are bands who just have to tell the world how totally Metal they are, by having the word in their band name. Most obvious is Metallica. Then there’s the likes of Metalium, Metal Warrior, Metal Sword and Metal Steel (because they are so fucking metal their metal is reinforced with steel) and finally Metalheadz…whose members appear unbelievably old considering it’s a name I’d expect from a bunch of unimaginative thirteen year olds. I mean, when you have the word Metal in your name, no-one can have any doubt that you are a Metal Band…(unless you go through a bluesy rock phase and cut your hair and sue Napster).
Equally then, there can be no confusion as to what style of music Doomshine are going to play…and it’s 100% Doom guaranteed…or your money back! This is definitely following the blueprint of classic doom staying far away from the more gothic end of the spectrum and delivering a sound that will hold great appeal for fans of Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, St Vitus et. al. The guitars are mighty, laying out some heavy riffs that act as a foundation for the epic vocal melodies. ‘Sanctuary Demon’ instantly crushes you beneath its weight, while ‘Hark! The Absurd Angels Fall’ has a fantastic chorus that I soon find myself hooked on. Tim Holz has a massive voice, belting out his lines with great power but also a kind of mystical, occult sense of intrigue that reminds me a great deal of Messiah Marcolin.
‘River Of January,’ dare I say, is a more fast-paced number, with some classic-sounding, metal-as-fuck riffage, while ‘Cold Cypher Ceven’ has a really head-bangable rhythm to it; it’s slow and steeped in atmosphere, while lyrically this sings of unicorns and dragons attempting to lure you into its fantasy-land. ‘Doomshine Serenade’ takes a slightly more melancholic tone, drawing you in with an atmospheric opener and some rather melodious guitar-work. The vocals are rather bewitching here, and certainly effective.
This German band have created a really strong album here. They have an outstanding vocalist, and clearly a band of musicians that are above average. Not only that, but they have crafted some highly enjoyable songs here, some of which are instant anthems and I can easily see the likes of ‘Hark! The Absurd Angels’ going down a treat at festivals. Definitely check this out if you like your classic doom.
http://www.myspace.com/melodicdoomedmetal
