Erotica

I purchased this tape being familiar with the band from their album "...and Jesus Wept". The album is a rather above-average and quite original piece of doom. This tape, however, is even better.

First of all, it's extremely listenable. This is mainly because of the melodies. The vocalist may not have the best voice out there but he carries the tone quite alright and produces interesting vocal lines. Really, the album is hauntingly melodic. The melodies are not of the obvious/predictable kind, they manage to grab attention. The tracks are quite varied and very well structured. The production is just appropriate. Nothing stellar but it would fit a proper album easily.

Beside the sung vocals there are the screams, which remind me of Burzum, but these are less hysterical and angrier. They are an excellent counterpart to the melodic side of the music. It all works iquite smoothly.

The guitars play doomy riffs and I have to praise the use of keyboards here, which are incorporated perfectly. The keyboard/guitar interplay is the cornerstone of these songs. The bass is just there and the drums are programmed, but the programming itself and the sound are actually quite good, certainly not too artificial or overbearing.

As I said, the album is melodic and the melodies carry the listener as opposed to just being there. The pace of the album is not medium-slow, for doom metal. Think my dying bride circa "Like Gods of the Sun".

Overall, if you can get this tape, do it. A really interesting and engaging piece of music, not only for a doom fan. I think that those who enjoy e.g. early Xasthur may also enjoy it. I would give it a higher rating if it was not just a 2-track promo.