Post apocalyptic doom with chilling female vocals...sounds pretty unique right? That is indeed the case on Consolamentum, the latest release from UK act The Wounded Kings. Featuring the otherworldly vocals of Sharie Neyland (she's been tabbed as sounding like a metal version of Grace Jones, and that's not far from the truth) and the monstrous guitar riffs from Steve Mills & Alex Kearney, The Wounded Kings have created here seven slabs of ponderous, crushing doom with a psychedelic edge. The epic "Gnosis" kicks things off in fine fashion, as spooky keyboards float above monolithic riffs and Neyland's haunting vocal delivery, while the wild instrumental "Elige Magistrum" sees the band pick up the pace a tad and crank out some '70s styled bluesy hard rock. The title track offers up more somber, creepy funeral doom, and "The Silence" is like a bastard love child between Saint Vitus and The Jefferson Airplane, Neyland soaring over the top of some truly heavy arrangements. Closing instrumental "Sacrifice" comes across like an almost symphonic Candlemass, as keyboards and ripping lead guitar take things out on a high note.
Somewhat similar to the latest from Avatarium, The Wounded Kings deliver some really epic doom here, though this band opts more for a funeral doom & psych slant as opposed to that bands penchant for classic metal, folk, and prog rock. Consolamentum is the first must hear doom release of 2014.
Track Listing
1. Gnosis
2. Lost Bride
3. Elige Magistrum
4. Consolamentum
5. Space Conqueror
6. The Silence
7. Sacrifice