Colombarium – The Morbidious One
Colombarium – The Morbidious One
Argonauta Records
Release Date: 29/09/23
Running Time: 49:08
Review by Oli Gonzalez
8/10
Belgium. Let’s be honest, the first thing most people think of is chocolate! Today though, I’ve been checking out Belgian doom act Columbarium. Unlike the famed confectionery item, this is not sweet in the slightest but definitely just as dark, as we delve deep into the slower and more extreme side of the metal spectrum. I was amazed to learn that the band have only been together since 2021. Though learning that the band are formed of seasoned musicians within their local doom metal scene makes a lot more sense. What did I think of the album?
Some highlights for me are within the album’s opening track, ‘Eyes Bleed Black’. Straight off the bat, that’s as gnarly as it gets for a song title! I thought I had accidentally stumbled upon a recording from a found footage movie, given the creepy Evil Dead-like voice over in the opening seconds. Nice cinematic vibes. You can immediately pick up on the desert gaze, stoner style vibes, so I was curious to see in what direction the sound will go in. More of a heavier funeral doom type, or more in the stoner style? More of the latter, it would appear, especially when we hear some more psychedelic and even melodic sections later in the song.
The vocals though. I need to talk about the vocals. Pete, are you human? Because those vocals are absolutely demonic! Guttural and fierce, like you’d expect from a death metal album. That’s when I realised Columbarium are here to do things their own way, and while sticking to a doom metal spine, they tried and certainly succeeded in placing their own stamp on the genre!
I can hear evidence of strong distorted guitar led anthems, much in the vein of Candlemass and Clutch, albeit a much slower and darker version. Check out ‘A Cure For Everything /Get Back Alive’ for evidence of this, especially during the 3 minute mark. This song also goes in more of a thrash direction with the frantic pace and rapid mid section!
The crown jewel for me though is ‘Rivers Of Blood’. This is 5 minutes and 47 seconds of pure ectasy! The opening is like something from a horror movie. Distorted unsettling pianos designed to put you in a state of anxiety and unease. Yet it’s so captivating and aesthetic, especially with the clean guitar arpeggios played over the top. The song sums up everything great about doom metal. Simple absorbing riffs played with emotion and for maximum impact. The piercing lead guitar solo towards the end is just straight fire too! I want to hear more of that in the future.
Certainly, the band knows what they’re doing compositionally and are seasoned song writers. However, I feel as though they haven’t really captured their full sound in the studio. Some instruments sound a little thin at times. Almost as if a little something is missing, a small piece of proverbial magic to take this album from a good to an excellent album. Because the band certainly do have that potential. Whilst their sound may be too niche to ever be considered one of the countries great exports behind chocolate, the band have the potential to hold a place in any self-respecting doom metal fans audio library.
TRACKLISTING:
01. Eyes Bleed Black (ft. Esmee Tabasco)
02. The Morbidious One
03. Rivers Of Blood
04. Redemption
05. Barefoot OnThe Moon (ft. Michelle Nocon)
06. Our Glorious Ways
07. A Cure For Everything/Get Back Alive?
LINE-UP:
Koen Biesbrouck – Guitars & keys
Marc ‘Markie’ Vangheluwe – Guitars
Vincent ‘Mille’ Millecam – Drums
Pete Jules V. – Bass & Vox
LINKS:
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