As a lifelong Midwestern boy, I've paid little attention to the underground-metal scene in the Maryland/Washington, D.C., area. But at least I did know that the region has become famous for its unusually high (no pun intended) output of quality doom metal and stoner rock. This 14-track compilation featuring new, rare and exclusive songs by bands young and old, however, reveals just how much influence that 30-year-old scene has had on today's sludgy underground sound. From Clutch's crushing opening blast, "Sea of Destruction" (previously available only on the self-released fan CD Slow Hole to China), to "The Ruler," the trippy first-ever studio track from Los Tres Pesados (featuring members of Clutch, Earthride and Unorthodox), Doom Capital seethes with sweaty and dirty grooves. Practically every track is noteworthy, but special mention goes to The Hidden Hand's darkly psychedelic "Rebellion," whose opening riff actually sounds like Yes' "Heart of the Sunrise." The band is the latest project from Scott "Wino" Weinrich, whose résumé also includes Saint Vitus, Place of Skulls and Probot. There's enough variation among bands here to prevent Doom Capital from getting bogged down, and its compilers have obviously dug through the mire, reached in and pulled out the finest tracks. Metal and rock collide with prog, punk, blues and even hardcore to create a monstrous sound that'll peel tar.
Track Listing
1) Clutch: Sea of Destruction
2) Earthride: Grip the Wheel
3) The Hidden Hand: Rebellion
4) Internal Void: Black Wings of Deceit
5) Life Beyond: Rising Sunn
6) Nitroseed: Class War
7) Unorthodox: Lifeline
8) Countershaft: Black Sky
9) War Injun: Dangerous Prayer
10) Black Manta: Days of Yore
11) Leviathan AD: Breathing Rust
12) King Valley: $2 Brain
13) Carrion: Damned to Know
14: Lost Tres Pesados: The Ruler
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