Everyone loves a doom band who write about Paganism and awesome stuff like that. Pombagira fit that bill and they are a two piece husband and wife combo which has made them all the more interesting. Their last album Iconoclast Dream was a single track of 42 minutes in length, it proved to be an exhilarating trip and a total triumph. They have now returned with Maleficia Lamiah, where they have cut the songs down to a mere 20 odd minutes each which has seen them take a more relaxed and experimental direction.
The opening and title track kicks off with a warm hum of massively over distorted guitar, which feels unsettling and exciting. Sadly this is where the over distorted guitar ends, never really to return for the rest of the album. The vocals have gone softer compared to the last album too, not that this is totally a bad thing. They sound tortured and unique but it’s not long before you realise the song is a bit off a mess. Nothing quite sits right and the experience feels a little flat. By the sixth minute the song breaks down again and speeds up and it’s clear that 'Maleficia Lamiah' was never meant to be an easy listen. Rather than repetitive and crushing riffs we’re used to with traditional doom bands, this is a somewhat more subtle affair and an attempt to push boundaries. Obviously boundary pushing is what we all look for in a new album but there still needs to be some fire in the belly which is sadly lacking. It feels like a challenge has been laid down for the listener to take them on a hard fought psychedelic journey but sadly it never takes off. There are some nice grooves at times but overall it feels a little muddled and unfocussed.
The second track ‘Grave Cardinal’ has a similar vibe, the vocals not quite sitting well with the guitars and we never get that killer blow to make your head bob the way it should. There is another one of the many breakdowns which feels like an age of random fiddling of strings and more like tuning up than anything that will get the pulse racing. There’s a little organ work half way through which adds a welcome new level and brings some entertainment but not enough to rescue it.
I think this album is a bold move by Pombagira, a clear attempt to escape the label of a ‘doom band’ and create something that has never been heard before. This attitude has to be admired but sadly I don’t think there is quite enough substance in Maleficia Lamiah to live long in the memory. Whilst there are some nice ideas, they sadly have not quite pulled it off. Let’s put it down to it being a transitional album and there are hopefully exciting new sounds ahead.
