This might be the 6th album from the band formed by Leif Elding from Candlemas, but it's the first time I have gotten around to checking them out. Their singer gives them a more blues-based rock feel. It makes them less metal, but also creates a more Deep Purple feel, setting them apart from all the bands who sound like Sabbath. The production is very organic without being tribute band-level retro. Memorable vocal melodies and thoughts are put into the songwriting.
Things break down into more of a ballad feel for "My Hair is On Fire" There is a darker doomier riff that creeps in, which keeps the dynamics interesting. Some great guitar playing on this album for sure. "Lovers Give a Kingdom to Each Other" is another ballad, that is well written with a great deal of layered acoustic guitar gliding around each other. The vocals are more about mood than hooks, but it works for this song, not unlike "The Battle of Evermore " in some ways. Things kick in a little harder for "Being With the Dead" There is a bit of a Dio vibe going on with this one but it works well. The keyboards step it up on this song as well, and the jam-out section is a great deal of fun.
Things don't really take a turn into what we think of doom here until they crunch into the darkest moment yet on "Until Forever and Again". It reminds me of the Tony Martin Black Sabbath years. There is still a lingering Dio influence.. There is a very nuanced breakdown at the end that works well dynamically. Also, I keep hearing a gospel undercurrent to her melodies, not that they are Christian-based, just an influence I am hearing. "Notes from the Underground" is a shred fest, but they do not make shred fests like they used to so I will take it. I was not expecting the title track to be a ballad, but it's well done so hard to argue against. I will give this album a 9.5, they don't make this kind of music like they used and these guys remember that fact well.
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