Conan - Revengeance
Scouse doom trio release early album of the year candidate
Over the course of two albums as well a handful of EPs and splits with the likes of Bongripper and Slomatics, Liverpool's Conan have honed their brand of relentless doom metal. 2014's Blood Eagle marked an important moment in Conan's career, as they advanced their talents to a degree worthy of full praise after just two full-lengths. It was a powerful congregation of low stomping riffs, sporadic battle-cry vocals and heavy pounding drums. However, for all its strengths, Blood Eagle was no more than another good doom metal album, and a bit of a one trick pony. From this point onwards in their career, many from the realm of doom metal would be content to coast, having in their eyes perfected their sound. It's refreshing then, to see that on Revengeance, Conan have not only matched Blood Eagle, but topped it comfortably.
From the very start of opener 'Throne Of Fire', Conan's determination to not simply stick to their old formula is obvious. Its driving riffs showcase a surprising amount of speed for doom metal, whilst in sections this speed is brought to a grinding halt to remind you that yes, this is Conan. Jon Davis' vocals are familiar and still very much sound like they're based off a caveman's yells. Meanwhile, new bassist Chris Fielding also lands his growling vocals to the mix, adding a dynamic new dual vocal style to Conan's arsenal. Fielding's basslines are suitably low and distorted to perfection, and are joined by another new member in drummer Rich Lewis, whose pounding drums are the source of much of the album's battle-ready disposition.
Revengeance is a complex album, and though the addition of new elements to Conan's particular style of sludgy doom metal can mean it becomes breathtaking to a near overwhelming degree, the new elements largely offer fresh new flourishes to their style. The meaty 'Wrath Gaunlet', at over eight minutes, begins to get predictable before some warped psychedelic effects on the brutal guitar riffs offer an interesting new take on Conan's sound.
Similarly, whilst a twelve minute closer in 'Earthenguard' may be a bit of a doom metal cliché, Conan tackle it with a remarkable serenity. Its opening riff swirls around the simple drum beat, before it opens up into a mammoth-sized masterpiece driven by colossal riffs. By the end of the song, we see some psychedelic elements come back into play with some unique effects layering the music. These effects mess with your head while the massive riffs and relentless pounding of the drums hammer away at your ear drum - it really makes it feel like your head's going to explode.
Okay, so Revengeance is not the most original album ever-made. However, on it, Conan explore some elements not previously seen in their music. It's truly a testament to how experimentation doesn't have to be over the top, doesn't have to make the band unrecognisable and most importantly can enhance a band's sound. Fans of Blood Eagle will like Revengeance, but so will those who dismissed Blood Eagle for its predictability. Well played, Conan, well played.
9/10
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