Overoth have been kind enough to re-release their debut album, Kingdom of Shadows and being black hearted megalomaniacs, we felt TT should have a say. If you’ve seen Overoth at any time over the past two years since Kingdom of Shadow’s release, you’ll know they are a powerful force to be reckoned with. Lead singer, Andy Ennis cuts an imposing figure on stage and commands a dominant presence; supported by an intensely dense, doom/death metal bellowing backline(I know what backline means, but it suited the moment).
‘Kingdom of Shadows’ and ‘I Am One, I Am All’ crack the lid on a treasure trove of isolated darkness, carnage and aggression. The title track is fast paced, classic death metal while I Am One, I Am All injects the band’s heavier, doom, sound made stronger by Andy’s reverbing growls. ‘Summon the Cursed’ is flanked by thick echoing riffs that sway with the song before bursts of extremity explode out of nowhere. `The Serpent of Old’ and ‘Led to the Slaughter’ are two of the strongest pieces on the album. Face slapping metal in its finest form. At times the impact is a little muddled, but raw with power and both songs show the ability this band has and boasts potential for their next record.
‘Pathway to Demise’ and ‘Obsidian Blade’ continue to reinforce the bands power, but offer little in the way of real originality. They pale even further when the show stealing, ‘Upon The Alar’ awakens. A heaving brute of a tune that perfectly captures each band member falling into place, allowing them to deliver the song they’ve hinted at throughout the record. Haunting guitars, sparse echoes and militaristic force. ‘The Forbidden Realm’ builds on the revamped interest Upon The Altar gives in dramatic fashion. While not as forceful, it’s complexity, speed and focus drive the song and the album home.
Kingdom of Shadows may not have the most life changing songs in its ranks, but it does an excellent job at relaying the bands live sound and brute strength. At the same time it manages to drop a few regulars into your playlist and build anticipation for Overoth’s next release. If Kingdom of Shadows is anything to go by, Overoth will be a death metal household name in no time.
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