Spawned in Hell

Doomicidal may be inspired by the classic Seventies English doom metal of bands like Black Sabbath flecked with stoner rock and psychedelic touches but the trio's ambitions as the guys release their first EP, soon (let's hope) to be followed by a full-length and then maybe get signed up to a label, are as contemporary as any other metal band around. If the EP "Spawned in Hell" is typical of their current work, then I think we're in for a treat when that first album does see the cold of light of day..

The band's sound is deep and heavy (but not too heavy) with a spiky acid tinge and is often gravelly in its texture. There may be death metal influences in the way the musicians play and keep time together, such that they build up a monumental wall of thick metallic lava guitar sound. Lead guitar solos can be hellish in sound and scope when the time comes for an instrumental breakout. Songs are usually leisurely in pace though the drumming is surprisingly busy, not simply keeping time. Doomicidal are blessed with two vocalists (both the lead guitarist and bass player) who chant more than they sing - but in the music they play, singing isn't so much required as stentorian "Southern Gothic" preacher chanting, whether in thrall to the Antichrist as the demon spawn of hell or pouring scorn on materialist life-styles, dreams and ambitions that result in disappointment, heartbreak, alienation and spiritual and moral poverty.

The title track is an almighty behemoth trawling through heaving magma acid doom metal overlaid with solemn intoning vocals and an infernal atmosphere befitting a song about serving Lucifer as his slave. The lyrics might be sketchy and nothing out of the ordinary (though in their laconic nature they actually pack in a great deal of information to be inferred by listeners: Doomicidal obviously believe in the "less is more" maxim when it comes to writing lyrics) but where the musicians are really expansive and maximal is in their extended jamming sessions which can be something to behold, building up towers of fiery electric lead guitar solo lines. By contrast "Mirrors and Smoke" concentrates on building a fortress of layered doom guitar supporting a more unearthly soaring vocal. This is a more retro-doom track harking back to 70s Sabbath. "Less than Perfect" features a droning feedback intro that settles into a sedate song punctuated by a rhythm of repeated pulled tones and an extended lead guitar solo.

On the whole, this is good doomy music to listen to, though I have the impression that the band is playing safe and keeping its fire and power under a tight leash. This EP is just enough to whet listeners' appetite for more. Doomicidal have a great sound and the two guitarists are highly skilled technical players who care a great deal about their music. The drumming doesn't quite match the guitars for power (and I note that the band is onto its second drummer, which doesn't bode too well for those of us familiar with revolving-door drummer syndrome in English metal bands) and that's something for the band to work on. I'd like to hear the debut album when it comes out, to see if Doomicidal has much more than it promises here.