Bringing their epic doom/heavy metal is Altar Of Oblivion who have returned after four years, and Altar Of Oblivion don't come empty handed having recorded this four track EP Barren Grounds. I suppose something is clearly better than nothing and Barren Grounds should go someway to keeping their fans content while they patiently wait for that next full length Altar Of Oblivion album. This Danish group continues on a similar path they established with their prior releases of which there are two full length albums Sinews of Anguish and Grand Gesture of Defiance. Altar Of Oblivion sure have one impressive vocalist in Mik Mentor, he has a melodic and powerful style that combines so well with the groups varying music.
Barren Grounds isn't flush with content with just the four tracks and even then the instrumental "Serenity" is rather short, with "State Of Decay" and "Barren Grounds" being the go to numbers. "State Of Decay" gets the EP off to an impressive start, it's a slow building track that exudes a somewhat bleak darkness as it plods along until the tempo lifts briefly, it's all very atmospheric and well put together. Title track "Barren Grounds" has some cool twists, a welcome guitar solo and a dose of the blues adding to the appeal. Barren Grounds is one of the better EP's and those fond of classic doom/metal will be sure to find something enjoyable right here.
Track Listing
1. State of Decay
2. Serenity
3. Barren Grounds
4. Lost
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