Where Gods Live And Men
(High Roller Records)
45:24min
Following their 2019 release “The Siege”, Chilean quintet CAPILLA ARDIENTE returns with a new four-track album, “Where Gods Live And Men Die”. Thematically the album concludes a narrative journey begun in their incredibly powerful debut album “Bravery, Truth And The Endless Darkness” in 2014 and the sophomore “The Siege” in 2019. It explores personal loss, wounds and the struggle to overcome adversity through sheer willpower. Musically, CAPILLA ARDIENTE blends traditional Doom Metal with influences from early CANDLEMASS, BATHORY’s “Hammerheart” era and early MANOWAR. Since their beginning in 2006, this fusion results in a sound that is uniquely their own: heavy, complex and undeniably epic, with a distinct scent of South America. Each song is a sprawling journey, carefully constructed to tell a story through music. In this record, the band’s approach remained epic, using diverse passages to create an intense atmosphere for their lyrical tales. What sets this album apart is its devotion to the true spirit of epic Doom. It is not just about being slow and heavy, it’s about creating a cathartic experience for the listener. The four tracks here fully express this. Especially the opener ‘Envenomed’ and the third track ‘Now Here. Nowhere’ show that these Chileans achieved this with a style, transforming sorrow into triumphant hymns. This profoundly conducted by Plaza Kutzbach’s mournful, dramatic, and heartfelt vocal delivery, and any fan of the genre would become an instant cheerer. The production, managed by guitarist Igor Leiva, is powerful, yet never felt overproduced like countless modern records. Even though the four tracks here lengthening close to fifty minutes, nothing felt imposed, as each instrument shines through clearly, delivering a formidable and immersive listening experience. Released with an equally epic album cover, “Where Gods Live And Men Die” can be another reminder for fans of Doom Metal that what the genre can still achieve, when in the hands of skilled and passionate musicians. These all says enough that CAPILLA ARDIENTE has once again proven that they are becoming a commendable force of epic Doom Metal, and “Where Gods Live And Men Die” is a powerful continuation of their sound into a more than decade long journey. Find out more about the band and label here: www.facebook.com/capillaardientedoom, www.facebook.com/hrrecords.
Randolph Whateley
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