DOOMSHINE „Thy Kingdom Come”

My reviews of Doom metal albums are few and far between. It's a genre that I love listening to when the mood strikes. Yet, for the most part I find myself returning to the classics like Sabbath, Candlemass, Cathedral, Trouble and Solitude Aeturnus. New Doom bands just don't seem to appear on my radar (unless they are ultra extreme doom like Khanate etc). That was until now. Germany's Doomshine are one of very few new Doom metal acts that I know of. Needless to say, I was most interested in what their debut album had to offer to the style.

For the most part, you know pretty much what you are going to get with Doom metal, particularly if you are a fan of the classic sound. As a style, Doom metal is one of least progressive forms of heavy music around. Understanding this, Doomshine are most certainly not here to provide a new take on the style. However, this is not to say that Doomshine don't have anything going for them – far from it indeed.

Their influences may be obvious, but at the very least Doomshine provide fans with some new blood in the Doom scene. It's great to see a young band embracing this style, rather than opting for something a little 'trendier'. That's what is so great about Doom metal – it's one of the purest forms of heavy music – unsullied by commercialism or trend like behaviour. It is with this understanding that one should approach 'Thy Kingdom Come'. This is an extremely impressive Doom metal disc that instantly recalls many of those classic acts I mentioned at the top of this review.

As a direct comparison, it is clear that Doomshine hold their contemporaries such as Candlemass and Solitude Aeturnus in high regard. Like those acts, Doomshine's doom template is based around slow and heavy riffage blended with a dark melodic edge. Very much the traditional epic doom metal set down by the masters of the style. With an outstanding production that accentuates its heaviness, 'TKC' is awash with many redeeming qualities. Doomshine love writing long compositions and while this can be a trap ideas wise, they have been able to keep their tempo's varied (although we're not talking thrash metal here) enough to allow their haunting melodies and the vocals of Timmy Holtz to weave their magic throughout. Holtz in particular is the real star of the show – his style is very reminiscent of Rob Lowe of Solitude Aeturnus – his mid range octave provides a smooth, yet somewhat sad and ominous atmosphere to Doomshine's overall impact.

I am also impressed with the bands ability to incorporate acoustic elements and haunting keys within the basic riff structures. They really give their songs impressive peaks and valleys – great balancing characteristics essential for any good Doom Metal album.

Doomshine can be easily accused on churning out the typical Doom metal clichés, and yes there are some. However, I get back to what Doom Metal is all about – Slow, brooding heaviness that evokes an emotive response – mainly sadness and melancholy. If that is the case, then Doomshine have come up with a most impressive album with 'Thy Kingdom Come'. I've got no problem with bands being unoriginal, as long as the songs are string and convincing. These guys are no Candlemass, but for the majority of 'TKC' 57- minute length, Doomshine do it better than most.

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Tracklist

1. Where nothing hurts but Solitude
2. Venus Day
3. Light a Candle for Me
4. Creation
5. Sleep With the Devil
6. Shine on Sad Angel
7. A Room With a View
8. The Cross
9. Valiant Child of War