Dread Sovereign: Alchemical Warfare
Alan Averill is primarily known for his work fronting the Celtic black metal band Primordial. However, for the past eight years, Alan - or Nemtheanga as he's also known - has been indulging his love for all things doom metal in the form of his devilish side project, Dread Sovereign. Accompanied by Johnny King (drums) and Eoin H. (guitars), Alchemical Warfare marks the third full-length release for the unholy trinity. It's also their first on major label Metal Blade Records and coincides with a shift to a fuller sound compared to their previous effort, For Doom the Bell Tolls.
Alchemical Warfare takes the big rock n' roll stomp of vintage doom metal pioneers such as Pentagram and mixes it with psychedelic leads that swirl around you like the mind-altering fumes of a dozen bubbling potions. Nemtheanga's vocals are the perfect accompaniment to its rumbling foundations, often screaming in the face of Christianity with pure frustration, yet occasionally leaning into more majestic, Candlemass-inspired melodies.
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| Primordial frontman, Alan Averill, gets spooky with his side project, Dread Sovereign. |
This enticing pairing results in a free-flowing blackened doom metal opus that hits various peaks along the way. From the frantic seventies rock energy of 'She Wolves of the Savage Season' (try saying that after a few beers!) to the ceremonial march of 'The Great Beast We Serve' and the arena-sized ballading of 'Her Master's Voice.' Alchemical Warfare is a surreal trip through the esoteric side of history that leaves you feeling as bewildered as Edward Woodward in The Wicker Man. It's like stumbling upon a bunch of pagans practicing a bizarre ritual in the forest and helplessly watching as it reaches its chilling climax - albeit from a safe distance!
Perhaps the only criticism of Alchemical Warfare is its tendency to become a little bloated in places. The penultimate track, Ruin Upon the Temple Mount, is a prime example whereby its intro accounts for almost half of the song's duration. Nevertheless, Alchemical Warfare's standout moments far outweigh its disposable jam sections and, combined with its eerie occult vibe, makes it an essential listen for early doom metal fans.
For fans of Pentagram, Saint Vitus, Witchfinder General, Candlemass
Sunset Brigade: Manipulated
Their name may evoke images of golden beaches and palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, but Sunset Brigade emerged from the snowy streets of Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, back when we were allowed to leave the house. Since 2017, they've released a couple of independently produced EP's and now return with their latest single, Manipulated. It's got the groove of Ashes of the Wake era Lamb of God and the tribal vocal aggression of Max Cavalera, all wrapped up by a modern thrash production job and delivered with tonnes of conviction. Manipulated is the sound of a band finding their feet and paying homage to their thrash/groove metal influences on the way. It will be interesting to see how they put their stamp on the genre in the future!
For fans of Sepultura, Lamb of God, Alien Weaponry
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