THE LAMP OF THOTH - This Is Not a Laughing Matter CD Metal on Metal 2017

 
Are you familiar with the name THE LAMP OF THOTH, eh? If you`re not, well this band was spawned in 2006 by two current ARKHAM WITCH members: The Overtly Melancholic Lord Strang (bass & voc.) and Lady Pentagram (drums). The name itself originates from the year of 1888 and is strictly connected to an occult group active back then in the band`s hometown. Their first LP was out in 2008 (Portents, Omens & Dooms) and they`ve also released a number of other eps, splits and demos. This year Metal on Metal came up with a special compilation album, consisting of their 2011 EP "No Laughing Matter" and 2013 demo "This Is Not Doom!", both for the first time on CD, so read on about it.
This Is Not a Laughing Matter consists of 11 tracks, very heavily influenced by SAINT VITUS, BLACK SABBATH or PENTAGRAM, and reminding also of ARKHAM WITCH. Thus, what we have is pure, classic doom, however, this time the band do not deal, lyrics-wise, with the master of horror: H.P. Lovecraft. Still, this album is full of darkness, and album`s first song, Skull Fuel`s two first verses are full of occult aura: („Philosophy is my eye, mathematics my fist, An alchemical mind within a skull of mist”)
This mid-paced, groovy track puts a listener into a ceremonial mood. These heavy riffs radiate with cheerfulness, some positive vibrations. And this heavy metal refrain. It makes you feel good. Thi Boggard is next. This atmospheric, slow track is really amazing. Dark World is a march-like cut, catchy 9 minute long behemoth. Me Man, Me Drink is my favourite. I think it is because it reminds me of CELTIC FROST (guitars).
They Dance is less powerful, but still a good track. But after such a highlight like Me Man, it just lacks energy. Luckily, An Oath Sworn on the Ashlar Stone makes up for that. Drinking Song is a typical shanty, one feels like drinking when listening to this cut. A short one though, just 1.5 minute long. Demon Witch is next and it's one of my favourites. Very expressive, I wish this album featured more tracks like that.
Well, I can’t imagine witches being happy upon hearing the two first verses of this track, which, indeed encourage to set fire to burning stakes… It is a really powerful track. The Slog is massive like some storm of darkness, pouring incessantly from the speakers; getting the atmosphere denser and denser – to embrace the listener with a cloth of cadaverous bane.
A really bright moment is a guitar solo, flickering like a misleading light at the end of a tunnel. Second to last track, Issek of the Jug is catchy – and it is a doom track! This is not doom ends this album – a very nice cut that wraps up this album pretty well. OK, if you haven’t had a chance to learn about THE LAMP OF THOTH, it’s high time to get this compilation album. Really enjoyable. LWS.

Poprawiony (poniedziałek, 10 lipca 2017 05:54)