Finnish Doom Metal purveyors CARDINALS FOLLY have returned with a new album after three years of a hiatus. The band has kept a bit busy releasing a split EP, a boxed set, and two compilation albums in those three years, but alas we get new material this time around. Playing traditional Doom with certain parts laying homage to the great Doom bands from the United Kingdom. The band, consisting of three members (bass / vocals, guitars and drums), was formerly known as THE COVEN before changing their name in 2007. Let’s dive in and see what this trio has cranked out this time around. Things get started with ‘Life Eternal’ (not the MAYHEM song), a nice intro song with a sick sounding guitar hook / solo about half way through the song and it gives me a hint of early era KATATONIA. The upbeat song ‘Ride Or Die 666’ was too happy go-lucky / upbeat for me to consider it being Doom but nonetheless it showcased the solid songwriting and musicianship of each member. At times the guitars gave a Thrash Metal vibe here and there. Things pick up with ‘Priesthood Of Darkness’ with its downtrodden style of guitars that start things out and further supplemented by the other instruments. The vocals are crisp, clear and clean. The production of this album is top notch, the instruments are very clear and are not choking out the sound. The self titled track was a really fun jam to listen to. The band was firing on all eight cylinders with this one, ensuring a good groove, it continues with the last track of the album, ‘Last Bastions Of Doom’. I’ll be the first to admit that this album was interesting and not in a bad way. I will be the first to admit that I’m not a die-hard Doom Metal fan unless it is Death Doom or Funeral Doom style in which case we can talk for hours, but traditional Doom Metal is not on my immediate go-to style of music when I want to just jam. Regardless this is still a solid piece of musical doom. You can’t go wrong giving this album a listen, but if you are a traditional Doom Metal fan then this will be right up your alley and will be worth the time checking out. For more info: www.facebook.com/cardinalsfolly, www.facebook.com/soulsellerrecords