The Sound Of The Catacombs' Compilation

Even though this release on Midlands based label Catacomb Records has been around a while it is still a excellent way to sample what this great label has to offer. The label has a impressive line up of bands to its name and this compilation is a great way to check out some of those bands if you haven't done so already. The label not only has some impressive bands, they also excel in delivering great packaging and have shown great dedication to the scene through promotional work. First up are Suns of Thunder with "Gimme Some More" and is a perfect way to kick off the compilation with a track that features some great riffing and a abundance of energy. Outburst from Leicester are next with "Primitive", a impressive Sludge/Stoner band with a huge fat guitar sound and this tune has the elements essential for a killer tune even though it ends a bit too early for my tastes. Obiat are next with the epic "Farewell to Mankind", this song has a Sabbath meets Psychedelic groove to it and is a one of the highlights on the disc. Grifter is next with "Slow Boy" and features strong melody, a stoner groove complete with cowbell and is one of the strongest tracks I have ever heard from the band. Dirty Red is next, the band has none other than former St Vitus drummer Armando Acosta but don't expect too much Doom here. This track is more of a blues-based number that features some soulful female vocals, don't be put off though as this is a fine track. Next you have Godsize with "Pure Agression" which is some more Sabbath worship but the vocal style may not be for everyone and I feel it does some damage to a song that musically kicks some serious ass.

Spacecharge with "In Time" is up next, this track is one of weaker tracks on the album suffering from thin production. The tune itself is strong enough but the production doesn't do the song justice. Up next is the great Abdullah with "Long Gone", a extremely well played tune with a sound that is like N.W.O.B.H.M meets late 70's Doom Rock.Brummie Psyche doomsters Alunah is up next with "Higher", another great track from them although the production lets it down. Sophie's vocals still shine on the song though and it stands out as one of the more unique songs on the album. One day soon this band will get as much attention as other female-fronted Stoner/Doom bands that are around at the moment and are over-rated by some underground media. Alunah are as good, if not better than all of them in my opinion. Next is a band I don't know much about but I do know members of Taint are involved. The band is called Black Cesar and the track is "Freerange Woman". This track never seems to grab me with its Punk meets Sludge attack but check it out for yourself. I Am Colossus are up next with "Revelations", a Doom/Death track that is heavy as hell and has the vocals to match. Even though I dig the track it kind of sounds out of place on this compilation. Sonic lord’s "Come Back Down Again" is next and this kills, this is another band that will be a name in Doom real soon. The riffing is huge and has some great dirty sounding vocals, this is a classic waiting to be discovered. Gonga with "Sentinel" is next but is a bit of a departure from the usual Gonga material, this could almost be described as Folk Doom but its still a strong tune. Just don't judge the band on this track alone as this is a bit of a different approach from what the band usually does. The Harold Wartooth is a band I know absolutely nothing about but I will looking forward to hearing a lot more after hearing this, this is some tasty Stoner Rock with great quality riffing through-out. They do sound like someone else however, cant quite figure out who at the moment. The song they give us is called "Flight of the Bitch", great title and a great tune indeed. Queen Elephantine with "Sea Goat" is next on the menu and once again there is a issue with the production. The track is pure Doom but the muddy mix lacks the crunch to make this track really effective. The random noises and effects within the track give the music a strange character but I found it a little distracting. El Topo are up next with "Let's Ride" and it follows the Stoner Rock template a little bit too closely and comes off sounding un-inspired and un-original. The guitar sound is real warm and fuzzy though. The last track on the album is Mos Generator with "On The Eve", a great building song with killer melodies, good riff ideas and has a bit of a classic rock feel to it. So that is it, a great compilation from a great label. If this isn't proof of how strong of a label Catacombs Records is, I don't know what is. I have to take a couple of points off for a couple of production flaws but most of this is nothing but killer material from bands that all deserve to be on play-lists everywhere. 8/10

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