Dr. Doom's Lair

DEVIL – Gather the Sinners(2013)

May 19, 2013 by drdoomslair

DEVIL from Norway are a relatively new band that managed to gather a lot of attention with their demo release (it was first released on tape) back in 2010, “Magister Mundi Xum”. 2011 debut wasn’t as excellent as that demo but it sure had its moments of absolute retro catchiness. Judging by their first two releases, when I speak of the DEVIL, I think of retro sound, unpolished production, simple riffs, memorable melodies, unorthodox singing style, and narrative horror lyrics. […]

Categories: Reviews

THE FIFTH ALLIANCE – Unrevealed Secrets of the Ruin(2013)

May 18, 2013 by drdoomslair

THE FIFTH ALLIANCE were formed back in 2006 in Breda, Holland but it was only until recently that the band was able to release their debut, “Unrevealed Secrets of the Ruin”. Despite the fact that we are dealing with a female fronted band, expect no romanticism from THE FIFTH ALLIANCE! “Unrevealed Secrets of the Ruin” is a hard pounding fest of aggressiveness and dark emotions. It’s hard to classify their music. All band members share a common Hardcore background but […]

Categories: Reviews • Tags: Breda, Converge, Hardcore, Holland, Isis, post-metal, sludge

KADAVAR – Abra Kadavar(2013)

May 8, 2013 by drdoomslair

The Berliners KADAVAR, have established the reputation of the next best thing in this retro-Rock wave. And let me tell you, that’s so damn true. From image, to cover art, to production, to content and so on, this power-trio is as close as it gets to the spirit of the long gone but never forgotten era of Rock. Of course, it pleases me that musicians are still able to live up to the task but what is actually more impressive […]

Categories: Reviews • Tags: Berlin, Black Sabbath, Budgy, Hackwind, Kadavar, proto-Doom, Proto-Metal, retro, vintage

ORCHID – The Mouths of Madness(2013)

May 1, 2013 by drdoomslair

If you were searching for the most successful newcomer in doom the last few years ORCHID would be a great place to start. With a debut that gathered the attention of all sorts of Heavy Metal fans and recently a deal with big label, ORCHID probably surpassed every single expectation they had, back when they started. Needless to say every move they make is being watched, discussed and analyzed to death. Naturally their sophomore album “The Mouths of Madness” is […]

Categories: Reviews • Tags: Black Sabbath, doom, Mouths of Madness, Orchid, stoner

UNCLE ACID – Mind Control(2013)

April 28, 2013 by drdoomslair

With “Blood Lust” being one of the most defining records of 2011 (and most probably the entire decade that will come) UNCLE ACID & THE DEADBEATS became “underground” stars in less than a night and judging from the price of their “long gone” releases, they have turned into the ultimate collector’s band. “Mind Control” UNCLE ACID’s (yeah, the “& THE DEADBEATS” part is cut from now on) third album is fairly regarded as one of the most anticipated records of […]

Categories: Reviews

POMBAGIRA – Maleficia Lamiah(2013)

April 24, 2013 by drdoomslair

POMBAGIRA is a U.K. duo and in my book this band is registered as one of the most talented yet underrated acts out there. Their fifth installment signifies a departure from their classic heavy as f**k, monolithic style of their previous albums to favor more gracious songwriting patterns. Fans of the band will definitely miss the unique singing style, and most probably the massive sound this band was able to produce. Before you decide to discard their new record just […]

Categories: Reviews • Tags: Psychedelic, sludge, stoner, U.K.

GHOST B.C. – Infestissumam(2013)

April 21, 2013 by drdoomslair

GHOST may have become the new big name in the metal world in just one night but this was neither Satan’s wish nor coincidence. Evidently the band offered something the metal world was missing and that was pure Rock and great presentation both sealed in a charming little package meant straight for the masses. The mix of BLUE OYESTER CULT’s mesmerizing Rock with KING DIAMOND’s idiosyncratic theatrical performance worked wonders and established “Opus Eponymous” as an instant classic. Now the […]

Categories: Reviews • Tags: ghost, Ghost B.C., occult, Sweden

HIGH PRIEST OF SATURN – S/T(2013)

April 15, 2013 by drdoomslair

HIGH PRIEST OF SATURN is a female fronted Doom/Stoner act from Norway. Their Demo back in 2011 became an instant favorite and it was an easy choice for me for the title of the best Demo of that year. In their debut HIGH PRIEST OF SATURN complete what they originally went after on that demo. The two tracks of the original tape were re-executed and two new ones were included in this debut album. Expect nothing less than great Sabbathian […]

Categories: Reviews • Tags: debut, doom, Norway, stoner

Hedvika – The evidence of absence (2013)

April 7, 2013 by drdoomslair

HEDVIKA is a Post Metal band from Athens, Greece. Formed just in 2011 the four piece surprises with the consistency and the professionalism of their debut “The Evidence of Absence”. Melodic Post Metal norms (with ISIS as their primary influence) followed by heavier Sludge-like parts create a more-than-interesting final result. In truth, every song is made up from few melodies and somewhat simple structures but the great production in conjunction with the obviously inspired material keep things interesting from start […]

Categories: Reviews • Tags: Athens, metal, post-metal