John Gallow - Violet Dreams (2014)
This new album from John Gallo(w)
begins with a crash into big, resonant doom chords, which shift into
high-power mode before the Gallow vocals glide in to guide the
listener. From there, it's a trip into death-focused doom, with some
very sharp guitar skills proudly on display alongside propulsive
drumming and powerful bass. All of the music is provided by Gallow himself,
allowing him to offer a finely-focused album that satisfies from song
to song as well as a whole.
There's undeniably a heavy '80s doom
influence, as the songs show no fear of indulging in some shredding
from time to time, while the drums stand out crisp and clear in the
mix. Some other influences show their imprint, including a few space
doom stretches, but it's difficult to point to anything but funeral
doom as the style you should be expecting as you go into this. And
if you're a funeral doom fan who's been going a bit hungry (summer
can be cruel to working up the right vibe), Violet Dreams
gives you plenty to chew.
All of
the songs sound rich and full, expansive without misstepping into
aimlessness, and Gallow shows himself to be a whiz behind the synths, with a dab hand at
assembling gloominess that keeps things moving while it sinks into
despair. All around, John Gallow does a great job of paying homage
to the traditional doom architects while also providing his own
flavor, and the album feels like one of those instant classics.
Violet Dreams is
currently available on CD from I, Voidhanger; hopefully there'll be
enough buzz around this album to justify a vinyl pressing in the near
future. Either way, you can also grab a digital copy, so you've got
no real excuse not to give this a go.
~
Gabriel
For
Fans Of; Below, Candlemass, Forgotten Tomb, Thergothon, Pilgrim
~
No comments:
Post a Comment