Info
- Band(s): Doomcult
- Label(s): Kvlt und Kaos Productions
- Release Format(s): CD
- Release Year: 2023
- Review Date: July 1, 2023
- Author(s): Colin McNamara
Doomcult is a relatively unknown Doom Metal band from the Netherlands headed by J.G. Arts who is also part of Melo Death Doom band White Mare which recently started up in 2022. He pretty much does everything on the album, so there are some similiarities between the projects, but Doomcult is his original ‘baby.’
Doomcult has been around since 2014 but only has 3 albums under their belt, each sounding like the trademark classic Death Doom sound of the 90s in the vein of Paradise Lost meets some Candlemass. J.G.’s biggest attraction has been his vocal work, avoiding the typical deep growl that so many like Paradise Lost, Anathema, and My Dying Bride have used, rather going for almost a Thrash inspired shout that sounds like a cross between Candlemass and Slayer.
The music is still very melancholy and very Doom-esque with touches of Death Metal, but overall listeners should expect a slow, plodding pace drenched in melancholy. However, on Doomcult’s latest album, J.G. does change things up a bit. Inviting guest vocals from Rens van Herpt of Treurwilg, those who have followed Doomcult up to this point are going to get quite a different sound on the vocal front. It’s louder, heavier, and deeper, delving more into that Paradise Lost and My Dying Bride pool with the typical Death Doom growls alongside J.G.’s usual shout. It does add quite a bit of dynamic so those who felt that the former albums of Doomcult were getting stale will find this fresh addition much welcome. While some might argue that Doomcult is jumping on the bandwagon for the Death Doom sound by going this route, whether or not they decide to keep Rens, so far it makes ‘Failure of Life’ one of Doomcult’s most dynamic albums.
Another factor that J.G. adds is pushing time limit. Doom is known for epics, and this time Doomcult pushes their longest song with ‘The Final Ride of Death.’ While it is soaked in the same Gothic melancholy of all the other tracks- one thing listeners will never be short of is long, drawn out guitar notes behind plodding drums- J.G. does add more vocal arrangements that sound like choirs and add to the whole ‘gothic preacher sermon’ effect that his vocals bring to the music. Other tracks like ‘Align’ have a little Black n’ Roll to the riffs, offering more groove and style in the vein of ‘Diabolical Now’ Satyricon but nowhere near crossing into Black Metal territory while keeping the pace and atmosphere slow and Doom laden. The drums are thicker and rhythmic, but the chugs of the guitar are more enjoyable, faster, and have a bit more of the Death Metal touch to them. It is still dramatic, but a nice difference from the drawn out ‘woe is me’ sound of a track like ‘Failure.’ Overall, those who like raw Doom that isn’t bogged down by keyboards or female vocals with semi decent production and a trade of vocals will find Doomcult a great listen.
‘Failure of Life’ is depressing, but catchy, and certainly the best thing that Doomcult has to offer in its discography so far.
Kvlt und Kaos Productions
- Country: Austria
- Style: Death Metal, Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Doom Metal
- Links: Homepage, Facebook, Instagram, Bandcamp, Youtube
