Monolord - Lord Of Suffering/Die In Haze
Swedish doom metal masters remind us of their monolithic power
With Black Sabbath’s final shows in Birmingham looming on the horizon, the panic amongst doom lovers everywhere is sure to be setting in. 2013’s 13 proved that Sabbath are still the unbeatable kings of the genre, but on last year’s Vaenir, Swedish metallers Monolord (to the relieved sighs of doom lovers everywhere) proved that there are groups out there very much capable of keeping the flag flying. Ahead of the trio’s first ever North American tour, this new 10’’ is yet more proof that they are one of doom’s most naturally talented bands.
As was the case with Vaenir, the two tracks here may not ooze originality, but every aspect of the group’s devilish sound is flawlessly written and recorded.‘Lord Of Suffering’ is chock-a-block full off riffs so gloriously malevolent it’s as if they’ve been plucked from the mind of Tony Iommi himself, while the accompanying ethereal vocals shine on the slower, creepier ‘Die In Haze’, where they hold a slight wavering as if they’re being sung from the murky depths of a deep lake. Heavy to the point of gargantuan intensity, the immense guitars and booming bass create an immensely powerful sound, whilst ethereal undertones ensure that the release is also as encompassing as metal comes.
Though there’s an argument to be made for doom metal’s stagnation in recent years, with tons of familiar-sounding bands emerging in a short space of time, there will always be those that waltz in with a generic but masterfully crafted sound that trounces its competitors. Monolord are one such band, and although only two tracks long, Lord Of Suffering/Die In Haze only furthers the group’s standing as one of doom’s most proficient groups.
9/10