The Pitch: Two very talented, textured Canadian instrumental doom bands for the price of one: Black Tremor and Sea Witch via Hypnotic Dirge Records. FFO Downfall of Nur, Crown, Thera Roya
What I Like: This split is more than just your average doom metal. Like I said, it's very "textured" and has some subtle intricacies that really carried my attention. You've got your familiar bass guitar reverberations and T Rex-sized chord sustains, but there's a ton of atmosphere as well. Haunting, effects-laden guitar leads drift in the background like an ominous mist. Black Tremor throws in some jazzy drums and bass grooves, as well some tension-building (and also lush) strings. It's doom, it's progressive, it's post-metal and even a little touch of folk.
What I Don't Like: Very little, which says a lot considering my larger opinions regarding doom metal. There's room for compositional growth, but I'm pretty satisfied.
The Verdict: Especially given the lack of vocals, I am impressed with how immersive and engaging this music is. It's a contemplative early morning walk through a brisk fog; street lights still shining. Beautiful melancholy.
Flight's Fav's: As The Crow Flies Part One, Hexus Part One