Music: Neo-Classical Doom Metal
Website: www.shroud-of-bereavement.com
Country: United States
Duration: 58:48
Cool Songs: I Cry, Willowsoul, The Forever Dance
Of Ages is a collection of demo material dating from 1997 to 2000. This material was written and primarily composed by SHROUD OF BEREAVEMENT main man and dark genius, Dan Robinson. The production values are a little rough with a mild hiss apparent throughout the album due to Robinson extracting the music from tapes. The poor production becomes unobtrusive, though, to superb songwriting, memorable melodies, and devastating doom riffs. Robinson expertly juxtaposes seductive siren-like female vocals with monstrous death vocals.
Classical instrumentation such as piano notes, cello, mandolin, and acoustic guitars set a tranquil entrance or epilogue to each song that can, at their best, be quite spiritual. The combination of Cindy Murphys vocals and Josh Sweeneys fluid acoustic guitar playing on Willowsoul is a terrific example. The said song has two versions: one with female vocals and one without; however, both versions include the remarkable acoustic passages. The pouring water on the second version and the wailing female vocals on the first are strikingly visual, making one feel as if he or she were sulking under a weeping willow in a misty swamp. Robinsons angry growls remind the listener even though he or she is in a peaceful environment there is inner turmoil.
I Cry is another track with extraordinary melodies, mostly due to the mandolin playing. The mandolin notes near the end of the track have a supernatural, fantastic element. It is like being in an ancient forest in Middle Earth and being surrounded by elves or some other mythological forest creatures.
In addition to tastefully arranging songs and playing the part of the beast to contrast the beauty, Robinson is a remarkable guitar player. His riffs are memorable and the tones are thick and dirty. The beginning riff to I Cry, has a classic doom metal rhythm in the tradition of the masters of the genre like CANDLEMASS, MORGION, and MY DYING BRIDE. The Forever Dance and The Fools Lament combine Robinsons crushing doom riffs with imperial keyboard notes, creating a majestic metal masterpiece.
Of Ages is a classic United States Doom Metal album, worthy of being placed with their revered countrymen NOVEMBERS DOOM, SOLITUDE AETURNUS, AVERNUS, and others who have made waves in the Doom Metal underground. It is imperative for fans of Epic Doom, Melodic Death Metal, and Neo-Classical Metal to own this album!
note: 7/10
Tracklist
1. The Absolution of Sorrow
2. Willowsoul (Original Version)
3. The Fools Lament
4. I Cry
5. An Empty Gaze
6. The Forever Dance
7. Must It Be?
8. Willowsoul (Second Version)
Total playing time 58:48
Line-up
Daniel Robinson-guitars, vocals
Cindy Murphy-vocals
Josh Sweeney-acoustic guitar
Steve Belleville-mandolin, boed mandolin
Dave Miller-bass
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