Waste of Kings

Based in Wichita, Kansas, Bridegeist’s debut EP offers a particularly raw take on the heavy/doom hybrid that has been recently developing. Like emerging giants Khemmis and Spirit Adrift, the four songs on Waste of Kings depict a battle in which straightforward gallops and classic metal harmonies contest slow plods while vocals alternate between harsh bellows and melodic calls, all as structures ebb and flow like the tides of ancient war.

The production job is what really sets Bridegeist apart from its peers. The mix seems to have more in common with black metal than doom as the guitar shows off a brittle tone while the pounding drums can sometimes fall into the background. This sort of production could be seen as somewhat amateurish for a band of this nature but it ends up working pretty well for the most part. In fact, it gives even more authenticity to the Bathory-style rhythms on the opening title track.

But that said, there are some things that could use more polish. More doom-oriented tracks like “Witness the Fire” and “Grimlock” would’ve benefitted from a more clarified mix as the riffs and vocal lines can be tough to make out at times. The band may also need to smooth out their structures more to really capture the narrative feel that comes with this style. Fortunately, moments like the brief folk break on “Grimlock” show that they’re certainly capable of such feats.

While Waste of Kings feels more like a demo than an EP to me, Bridegeist does put forth a worthy first step forward. I’m not sure if the band should incorporate more extreme metal elements to match the production or if the production should get more polish to match the style, but it is an enjoyable listen all the same. If you enjoy the early works of Grand Magus or their hometown heroes Manilla Road, then you’ll want to have Bridegeist on your radar.

Highlights:
“Waste of Kings”
“Grimlock”

Originally published at http://indymetalvault.com

The Wichita, Kansas quartet doesn't waste any time in establishing their identity. Their sound is huge, rough and immensely heavy. The dual guitars makes 'em quite fun and punishing and the harmonies are present underneath the heaviness. Just like Khemmis, they do like to mix sludgey influences to their heavy/doom and it's apparent in the use of semi harsh vocals used by Steven Turner.

Their metal is groovy, full of catchy manly riffs and while it's mostly extroverted metal, it's easy to enjoy. I mean, complex and "smart" metal is often shit and annoying. You get what you ask for here, solid steel for twenty minutes.

Residing in the same city as epic metal forefathers Manilla Road could had been an ordeal but Bridegeist delivers their own take on sword and sorcery by cranking the amps to the max and by being more aggressive than a pack of hungry hounds.

Featured on Metal Bounty Hunter Volume 11 - Metantoine's Magickal Realm