Most goth bands don't think they are goth. Here is a prime example: this Italian band thinks they are doom. Their lack of self-awareness in this regard does not bother me since I am into what they are doing. Sure, there is some metal in the mix, but it is closer to what In Solitude once did than Solitude Aeturnus, making them heavy goth rock. The vocals have a dramatic baritone croon that works well over the ringing chords. There is less intent in following the path of Mercyful Fate than In Solitude, and I suppose Candlemass might be their point of reference when it comes to doom, but that does not explain the haunting reverb-coated guitar they introduce in "Struck by thee Fever." Not complaining about this, just observing. Lyrically, it feels more like a murder ballad.
The first in-your-face overt metal moment is going into the gallop of "Ordeal". It is dark but not mournful, more aggressive than that. At times possessed by a more power metal-like bombast, they are not far removed from what the Night Eternal is doing on their new album. These guys are more atmospheric. "The Revenant" finds them back in the more murder-folk balladry. This song has more in common with Amigo the Devil than Pallbearer. "The Deer and the Hunter" is more metallic and dynamic, but in tone, a murder ballad. "September Song" is more of a folk ballad.
"The Antagonist" unwinds with a more brooding mood. Vocally, he begins to go into his upper regiter; it's not quite power metal but dramatic and belting in that direction. They balance this out with a smoky tension. I have a friend who thinks this is really old-school doom, so I am guessing she means pre-90s, and I suppose I can have a little Trouble here andd there.'Blooming " feels like it bleeds out of this one. It lingers in the show with a lingering deliberation. It's an instrumental bridge to the last song, and might be the only song that I'll concede to being doom. The last song finds the strum of acoustic guitars leading in before a more mournful guitar melody comes in. It's a dynamic and, yes, more doomy moment but I like it; it eventually gives way to build into something more metallic. I will give this album a 9.5 and see how it grows on me.
