Count Raven - Mammon's War

Been nearly 13 years between drinks for Count Raven but they are back with one of the most eagerly awaited Doom Metal albums in the past year.So has the long break between albums hurt the band,well the answer is a big no.In fact they sound like they are carrying on from where they left off with the 1996 release "Messiah Of Confusion".All of the Count Raven trademarks are still there including the "Ozzy" replica vocals and the true heart felt Traditional Doom Metal sound."The Poltergeist" is a classic Count Raven opening track with a great pace and melodic chorus.They haven't lost anything over the years with their skills at producing some well constructed Doom meets old school Heavy Metal.The already well downloaded/stolen by the masses track "Scream" is spectacular and of course similarities to the almighty Sabbath are present on every tune on the album."Nashira" is good but not outstanding in my book but things bounce back in full force with "The Entity" and the environmental epic title track "Mammon's War".This tune is features some cool keyboard work and the vocals really shine on this one."A Lifetime" kicks off in a Funeral Doom style before shifting to a "Planet Caravan" inspired acoustic part,really cool tune.This one has a Candlemass feel to it."To Kill A Child" is more of a Doom Ballad track of sorts,interesting but not a major highlight.You get even more acoustics in "To Love,Where Ever You Are" and yes they have mellowed in some respects.There is not much in the way of anger on this album,its more of a Psychedelic Cosmic Doom Trip."Magic Is" produces what is the most real Metal track on the album and they certainty seem to be playing with a lot of passion on this number.One of the best tracks on the album without a doubt,a couple more like this would have been a bonus.The pure Doom returns with "Seven Days",a slugging riff pushes the track to Doom greatness and is my pick for best track on the album."Increasing Deserts" moves the album back into Cosmic mode,similar to the title track.While Count Raven are known as a Doom band,they have always been more of a old school Traditional Heavy Metal band to me.Yeah,the Doom elements are still there but like previous albums they crossover between various heavy styles.Judging this album is difficult for me being such a huge fan of their earlier albums so i can't really say this is their best.Its not their worst either,just a great Count Raven album and a welcome return from them.Its been 13 years but some things never change and Count Raven is one of them,still sticking to their roots and playing very much from the heart.The album is not as "Doom" as i would have liked but i am just glad they are back.The artwork is not too shabby either and its also well produced.9/10