Below are a Swedish melodic doom act formed in 2011, and with one EP released in 2012 the band was quickly signed by Metal Blade Records, who brought in producer Andy LaRocque (King Diamond) to help them put together their debut full-length Across the Dark River. This is quality stuff, perhaps not the most groundbreaking doom release you will ever hear, but most of the songs are memorable, containing solid musical performances, as well as powerful vocals. Lead singer Zeb sounds like a cross between Zak Stevens (Circle II Circle/Savatage) and Ray Alder (Fates Warning/Redemption), and he soars over some epic material like "Bid You Farewell", "Portal", and "The Whitechapel Murderer". Musically, Below take their cue from classic Candlemass as well as Tony Martin era Black Sabbath, so look for heavy riffs coupled with plenty of harmony guitar lines and majestic melodies. The title track takes a dark & menacing tone, its 8-minute length filled with plenty of drama, concluding this very strong album on a high note. Overall, Across the Dark Riverwill slot in just fine alongside the many excellent doom releases we've seen so far this year.
Track Listing
1) Trapped Under Ground
2) Bid You Farewell
3) Ghost of Shepherd
4) Portal
5) In My Dreams
6) Mare of the Night
7) The Whitechapel Murderer
8) Across the Dark River
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