They may call their label Eyes Like Snow, for reasons I don’t know, but their vision is sharp, like a butter-cutting knife. These guys in the German doom/traditional heavy metal label have very good criteria (or instinct) when contracting bands and that’s definite. The Australian doom metal outfit is a rookie in the world scene, yet their first two tracks demo was enough to help them sign with Eyes Like Snow and release their first EP, “Hour of Judgement”. Of course the term EP is relative. For instance, EPs in doom metal are often lengthier than old-school thrash metal albums let’s say. Nevertheless, the four piece band is playing traditional doom metal. No more, no less; or maybe not? Well, traditional metal allows female vocals, doesn’t it? Don’t be afraid. No opera-singing or weak and vulnerable vocal here. Sabine Hamad is robust in her duties, yet warm, ranking in the same category of singers with Caroline Wilson from Mourn and Lynda "Tam" Simpson from Sacrilege. Compared to other contemporary female fronted bands, like Reino Ermitano, Jex Thoth, Blood Ceremony etc, Rituals of the Oak are earthier, similar to their British colleagues The River. It wouldn’t be aimless saying that their style is quite “British”, following the examples of Mourn, Warning and - maybe - My Dying Bride. Certainly you will find other influences too, like a brilliant passage in “Childhood’s End” (another great track), which is inspired by Solitude Aeturnus legacy. Therefore, what you get in this EP is firm, melody based, slow and heavy doom metal. Most of the parts are based on the vocal melodies and Hamad is very competent on supporting this task. To be honest, there are strong, but there are weak moments too. Not a particular song, because everyone of them has it’s own story to say and its own melody to hook, but several parts are more extended than they should. This can be forgiven, as this is their first official attempt and in general they did it excellently. For instance the opening “Hour of Judgement” and the middle track “Standing in the House of Suffering” are delivering a few moments of grandiose doom metal, with a strong essence of desperation and grief. It is of these moments that music actually recreates feelings and you know that this is the essence of doom metal. The production is good. It’s raw and unpolished, yet heavy and balanced, revealing the virtues of all musicians. What completes the package is a beautiful cover that in its simplicity and the abstract shades captures the atmosphere of “Hour of Judgement”. A fine proposal for all doom metal fans. |
