(((O))) Review: Hooded Menace – Lachrymose Monuments Of Obscuration

OK, so let’s get the obvious out the way and yes, Finnish death-doom band do cover 80’s megastars Duran Duran in this new album. Intriguingly, ‘Save A Prayer’ does actually lend itself well to this style of music but it should in no way serve as a focus for the rest of the album. Indeed, outside of that Hooded Menace have released an album of superlative, if a little plodding at times, death doom.

Given that the music rarely registers above pulse level at times (hey, this is doom!), we can forgive the plodding moments, and instead enjoy some excellent metal that serves particularly well over a decent set of headphones. Tracks such as ‘Pale Masquerade’ and the excellent ‘Lugubrious Dance’ evoke fog filled graveyards and Hammer Horror, whilst the growled vocals instil a sense of horror and dread throughout. There are similarities to early Opeth at times although much less progressive. They do deliver on some rather great riffs though.

‘Into Haunted Oblivion’, another highlight, ups the ante with its chunky riff playing off behind some lovely melodic guitar. Sitting broadly within a now classic metal sound it doesn’t deliver anything new, but for those seeking a quick fix of riffs, horror, and old school guitar solos then Lachrymose Monuments Of Obscuration is just the ticket for you.