In an era overrun by new bands hitching a ride on the retro metal/rock bandwagon, particularly within the realms of doom and stoner metal, the scene finds itself saturated, with releases popping up by the dozens. Standing out in such a prolific niche is HARD. However, Brazil's Dirty Grave effortlessly rises to the occasion. Their sophomore effort follows their also good debut album "Evil Desire", unleashed in 2017, and marks a significant evolution for the band. In this album, Dirty Grave is in formidable shape, carving a distinct niche amidst its contemporaries.
Drawing clear inspiration from Black Sabbath and Pentagram in their musical structure the trio seamlessly melds the unmistakable influence of 70s heavy/doom metal in the slower compositions. Simultaneously, they venture into the realms of 80s traditional metal in the more upbeat tracks, revealing a pronounced Mercyful Fate influence, particularly evident in the vocals. Picture a fusion of Sabbath-inspired and Pentagram-influenced guitar riffs, infused with a heavy dose of bluesy hues, a dash of vintage metal, and psychedelic nuances. Now, take this proto-doom concoction and introduce a barrage of uniquely distinct vocal dynamics. This is the sonic landscape that Dirty Grave masterfully crafts. The album's production offers a well-balanced sonic canvas that encompasses vocals, guitars, bass, and drums. A standout accomplishment by the sound engineer lies in the organic feel permeating the entire record, with a notable emphasis on the drum sound. This organic quality imparts a live ambiance, diverging from the prevalent clean and digital productions of the contemporary metal scene.
"Slaughter (Human Race is Dead)", "In This Night" and "Turn Off All My Fears" emerge as the crown jewels, capturing the essence of Dirty Grave's prowess and delighting fans of the genre. For enthusiasts of traditional metal with a robust infusion of classic doom metal, this release is an essential addition.