Formed as a vehicle for playing Slayer classics at a doom metal tempo, Slower had the potential to be the greatest “novelty” band ever. They were smart, though: once you’d got past the amusement of hearing some of your favourite speed-oriented metal bangers played as funereal dirges, their debut album held up on its own merits. Fu Manchu man Bob Balch and members of Kylesa, Monolord and Year of The Cobra each bought their own unique talents to the project, and each of the tracks played out like the ultimate in classic doom and sludge fare. The result certainly wasn’t what Tom Araya had envisaged, but it was fantastic to hear a new twist on the classics.
Tag Archives: doom metal
Watch: New arrivals on the doom scene, Barren unleash ‘Unheard’
Barren, a doomy metal band from New Jersey formed during the global pandemic of 2020. Over the next few years, they slowly cultivated a heavy sound that, although classic, also shares a very deeply atmospheric feel.
THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #67
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the individual tracks that have landed in our inbox over the last few weeks. On the surface, this might appear to be a rather louder selection with picks from German industrialists, American doom merchants and some unfamiliar indie rockers laying the foundations. It isn’t without the typical SB variety, however, since you’ll also find some downbeat singer songwriter fare and a great piece of cosmic country among other things. As always, we hope you find something new to enjoy!
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THE REAL GONE SINGLES BAR #54
Welcome back to the Real Gone Singles Bar, the place where we explore some of the individual mp3s that have landed in our inbox over the previous few weeks. This time around, we bring you some Americana via Australia, some huge electro-pop, a devastating piece of metal, the return of some yacht rock heroes, and more besides…
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DRUIDESS – Hermits & Mandrakes EP
With an opening track titled ‘Witches’ Sabbath’, this EP from British rock band Druidess makes no secret of its chief influences and interests. However, in a world that can feel overpopulated by doom and stoner metal bands, these guys really stand out. Their occult themed material and huge riffs fill the void left by Witch Charmer and Black Moth, and throughout the material on this debut, Shonagh Brown’s melodic vocals provide a superbly clear counterpoint to the band’s otherwise heavy sound.