SPIRITUS MORTIS/GOD BEHIND THE GOD (Firebox)
The self proclaimed 'Heaviest band in Finland' (though for my money that particular accolade would go
to HOODED MENACE) have returned with a new label and most of note for all doom hounds a new
vocalist which comes in the shape of Sami Hynninen otherwise known as Albert Witchfinder!!
(ORNE,THE PURITAN and of course the untouchable REVEREND BIZARRE) and if that ain't enough
to get the doom juices flowing I really don't know what will.
These boys have been going since 1987 so they know their doom and with this release everything
is write large, the drums pound with forceful intent,the guitar tones are soaked in the very essence
of doom whilst Sami's (who also designed the excellent art nouveau style sleeve)sometimes gloriously overwrought vocals are the best
he's ever sung.
Opening with the charging 'Man of steel' which is the bombastic sibling of the CANDLEMASS classic
'The Black Dwarf' God behind the God is a very easy album to love with it's tales of redemption,loss
and solitude.Hard to pick highlights as each track has moments that will have all true doom fans
falling to their knees with thanks for what they have received though if I did have to pick one it
would be the title track with it's crawling riff and ominous 'end of the world' spoken word ending.
The only track which doesn't quite do it for me is 'Heavy Drinker' which although possessing a
swaggering riff does wander too closely into 'stoner' territory and would'nt sound out of place on
a ORANGE GOBLIN record,good song and all but does ruin the flow somewhat.
So not a classic but one of the best Doom albums this year? oh yes.Doom what thou wilt.
www.myspace.com/spiritusmortis
FIN
Subject: SPIRITUS MORTIS/GOD BEHIND THE GOD (Firebox) 
Sat Jun 27, 2009 5:42 am
