DDR has stepped out of the death metal realm successfully before with Thantifaxath (black metal), some off-the-wall doom (Anguish) and the black thrash of Craven Idol and Invincible Force. But now the label has dipped their toes into the traditional doom field with a band that features members from some of the label’s sub label, Unspeakable Axe’s ranks (Trenchrot and Unrest). And while I can appreciate the decision to deliver something unexpected, it just isn’t working for me, though fans of the style will no doubt love this.

Culling obviously from Black Sabbath, this fits in line with clean, classic traditional doom like Trouble, Candlemass and modern mongers Pilgrim as well as the current crop of nu doom, vest metal bands, but without a female crooner as Brooks Wilson delivers his own higher register clean croons, which don’t really do it for me. It’s smoky, classic doom/heavy metal with long rangy songs, wailing vocals, some synths, lots of solos and plodding, warbly riffs and in the case of this release, a heavy Christian/historical lean.

There’s nothing wrong with the delivery, tone or songwriting, but nothing grabs me. Even trying to be an open minded reviewer and listening to this as impartially as I can, I just don’t ‘feel’ this material at all. Despite a firm grasp if the genre, and some promising moments like the starts of “Into the Holy of Holies” or “The Master’s Bouquet”. That being said I can appreciate it for what it is. This is pure, crisp traditional doom – no blackened, sludge or stoner tags or sub label, and for those wanting this untarnished style of the genre, the likes of “Heavy Riders” or “Byzantium” will no doubt please.

This has been getting rave reviews across metal media circles, and who am I to argue, but its not a style I really care for and this release as I’m more likely to reach for Pallbearer or even UK’s Solstice if I want something in this genre as they pack a little more punch and the clean vocals, which I’m really finicky about, hit the right spot for me. But Dark Descent continues to grow and expand their roster and I guess they can’t release a death metal monolith for every release now can they?