Hands Of Orlac 'Hands Of Orlac' review

HANDS OF ORLAC

'Hands Of Orlac'

(Horror Records)

With the ongoing resurgence of the occult/horror doom it makes sense that the Italians are one of those leading the charge. The old coffin spirit has always lurked in that particular scene and the debut (vinyl only nonetheless!) album of Hands Of Orlac proves that same notion, with songs that mix the macabre and morbid tones with clearly heavy metal-inspired passages and the occasional, high quality, flute parts. The band has really succeeded in their attempt to create a bone-chilling aural darkness, which is no small feat considering they're not relating on ultra low-tuned guitars and plodding riffs here. Instead, they've captured the spooky, uneasy, feeling of the unknown to near perfection and The Sorceress' vocals are matching the same vibe seamlessly. Leave it to ghouls at Horror Records to unleash yet another spectacular LP, which is available on both black and colored vinyl. 'Are you morbid?' [8,5]

(Vladimir Petrov) 

Hands Of Orlac MySpace 

 (CD version of the album should be available late February/early March 2012 by the new Irish label Blind Men and Occult Forces. Support! )

Black Oath 'The Third Aeon' review

BLACK OATH

'The Third Aeon'

(I Hate Records – CD / Horror Records - LP)

Italian doom metal and as any dedicated doom fan knows Italy is a place where doom has set down its roots deeply for many years. Immediately coming to mind are legends like Paul Chain and Death SS. I have spent many an hour listening to those two bands and Paul Chain in particular. The band is described as epic occult doom metal, and the bio cites early Candlemass as an influence for Black Oath and that is bang on. They borrow from that sound, but they do it well and put their own vibe or twist upon it. The Oath employ keyboards, something I am not always a fan of, but they are in general applied sparsely and kept lower in the mix so they really do sound like more of an accompaniment, and do not drown out the traditional instruments. The vocals are classic clean sung traditional doom style vocals, quite melodious and flowing, they fit the music well. Another influence that is springing to mind for me as I listen is the American group Solitude Aeturnus, and maybe a small touch of the almighty Trouble. 'The Third Aeon' is a promising debut album with moments of true brilliance, and a worthy addition to the traditional doom scene.

(Dale Roy) 

 Black Oath on ReverbNation

(Vinyl fiends are well advised to contact Horror Records, this album  is still available on both black and purple wax - ED)