If you like your doom to be dragged through blackened forest and then smothered in some burning leaves, then Agnes Vein’s new album Soulship may just be for you. With is mostly mid-tempo throughout the album and fairly depressed tone, well, this shit is some good doom!
Opener ‘To Know The God Within’ is a stark twelve minute journey through a thick angry forest to a beautiful dark sky. Vocalist/guitarist Sakis delivers an echo from beyond and a demon from below. His guitar playing is rock solid as well, sticking to low and lower, with little flourishes here and there. Bassist Errikos and drummer Folvos are the equivalent to a wrecking ball on the loose. They’re both mixed in very well, and on songs like ‘March of the Netherworld’ and ‘Eventus’ I had to work the EQ a little bit on my stereo, as to not blow the damn speakers.
‘Eventus’ also features a fair amount of disharmonious guitars that eventually turn into a creep along your sidewalk that keeps going around the block, not because he’s stalking you, but because the guy is deranged and out of his damn mind. The title track packs some punch, the band delving into a rhythmic trance in the later half of the song. Album closer (and shortest song on the album) ‘Bloodfiend’ has Agnes Vein whipping up a bit more fury, think of a doom/black metal hybrid.
Soulship is a great sophomore album, and it’s good to see Agnes Vein avoid the slump that sometimes occurs with a second album. At a reasonable 40 minutes, the band doesn’t become overindulgent at all. At times I honestly wish they did though. While I have no problem with varying song lengths, I feel on album number 3 Agnes Vein will truly hone their craft and let the songs breathe.
You can get Agnes Vein’s Soulship directly from the band through their Bandcamp page. Support artist and musicians you enjoy. Go grab this album and the t-shirt that comes with it!
HAIL!!!
