Without Ray of Hope

With most forms of artistic expression, the viewer or listener needs to go back to the source several times before they can give an honest opinion. For this debut album, I have done this task and wanted to express it in this review. Without Ray of Hope is a true masterpiece!

The first track, Without Hope, has an infectious lead guitar riff similar to something off of Dark Tranquility’s Projector album. Phil’s guttural vocal approach reminds me of Alexander Van Leeuwen from the Dutch doom/death metal band Sad Whisperings. Tears of Mankind takes the listener into a realm where sadness, isolation, and, on occasion, brutality come together. Phil has an excellent clean vocal approach on the album. Similarities to Katatonia and the British band Eterne come to mind. Track 8, Never, is a depressive melody that hooks you from the start, having very somber, dreamlike vocals mixed with some acoustic guitars and keyboards. At the end of the song the melody goes for a louder and broader sound, creating a monstrous effect on the listener. Track 9, Through the Flesh, has a different approach than the other songs. You can clearly hear the Septic Flesh influence circa 1995 with guttural death metal vocals, mesmerizing guitar melodies, and some spooky keyboards. The final track on the album is called Sweet Harmony and that’s exactly what this song reminds me of. There are no vocals, just this awesome melody. Phil layers the song with keyboards and heavy guitar riffs. At times the song has a new age vibe. The production on the album is acceptable. There isn’t a heavy bottom to the recording. The bass and drum work is forgettable.

Overall, I think this album creates a magnificent atmosphere. A great listen with diverse material not steering to far away from the doom/death genre. Recommended!