Back in 2013 when The Gates Of Slumber (TgoS from now on), one of my all-time favourite bands, broke up I honestly thought this was the end. However a sparkle of hope was lit when founder Karl Simon reformed the band for a festival appearance in 2019 and a European tour in 2020. Former TGoS drummer Charles ”Chuck” Brown returned to the fold and was joined by his Apostle Of Solitude band mate Steve Janiak on bass guitar and vocals. And this has been the lineup ever since. Roll on the years and news filtered through that the band was actually working on new material for an intended release. Could it be true? Yes, indeed, and then some. On November 29th, 2024, the new self-titled album, the first in 13 years at that, came out on Svart Records and it is absolutely, stunningly brilliant!
Mere seconds into opener 'Embrace The Lie' TGoS has swept me away and there's no return. Charles opening salvo on the drums takes it away and when Karl and Steve joins in it's a done deal. And this is how doom metal should be: slow, crushing yet grab you by the balls and not let go. Sharing the vocals back and forth as Karl and Steve does adds so much to the song as well. Didn't think things could get any better before 'We Are Perdition' enters the fray. Like it's predecessor it is slow and crushing doom we're offered but even more dejected and sinister. Steve steps up to the plate and handles the vocals wonderfully in the verses with Karl handling it in the chorus. Don't mean to blabber but these two opening songs are unreal and so brilliantly good that my faith in this waning genre is restored, and then some. 'Full Moon Fever' follows and ups the ante as the band rocks hard letting their inner werewolves out. All joking aside, TgoS are ferocious and relentless in this brilliant ball buster!
'At Dawn' begins at a snails pace until a brilliant ”uuuuuh” kicks the song into higher gear. Riding at dawn TgoS are merciless with their enemy, not sparing a soul...probably not even their own facing death head on. Maybe I'm reading too much into it but that's the vision I perceive. 'The Fog' continues and is a fantastic homage to John Carpenter's master piece movie from 1980. The band really hits home building up such an eerie and desolate atmosphere taking me back to when I first watched the movie. The song is kind of slowish going for severe power while working hard on your senses...brilliant, indeed! The album ends with 'The Plague' and it is punishing and unforgiving in its build-up...until the gauntlet is thrown and TgoS comes at you in full speed and there's no hiding whatsoever.
There are so many things I love about this album. For one, the songs are so well-written and well-played. Everything is in the right place and the guys let it all loose. And the sound immaculate with each instrument getting equal space and they are all so full sounding. Not to forget the vocal harmonizing and shared lead vocals between Karl and Steve, absolutely wonderful. And it sounds like the guys had such a great time throughout the recording sessions because the music flows so freely and unrestrained. 6 songs are featured and that's perfect in my opinion. Why cram an album full with as many songs as possible because you can and lose consistency in the process? Include the best strongest compositions, no matter the amount, and you'll have a master piece. And that's exactly what TgoS have done.
What a great return, guys, it's fantastic to have you back!
-Swedebeast
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