As The Light Is Extinguished
(Good Mourning Records)
20:34min
ENSHROUDMENT is a British Doom / Death Metal trio. Upon discovering these two facts, my expectations were high. Why do you ask? Because in my humble opinion, I think that some of the best Doom / Death bands ever come from the UK. And upon first hearing, I can surely say that these guys do not disappointed me at all. Released by newcomer and also British label, Good Mourning Records, their debut EP “As The Light Is Extinguished” offers 20 minutes (3 tracks) of some dense and heavy Doom / Death in the vein of the classic UK bands in this subgenre (MY DYING BRIDE, PARADISE LOST, old ANATHEMA). And although there is a certain familiarity, ENSHROUDMENT manages to keep things interesting. The use of different angles (especially composition wise) gives their style a twist, preventing the band from sounding like (yet) another copycat. First, the production fits really well. Maybe I find it a little too polished for my taste, but there is this natural and organic feel to their music that instantly sent me back 30 years. I really liked how the harmonic and melodic guitar layers provide a lot of density and variation in each song. Their conviction and their honest approach to this subgenre is much appreciated. Guitarists Charlie and Daniel (who also handles the bass) constant trade of eerie melodies and harmonic lines mixed with humongous open chords and palm muted riffs is one of the most interesting aspects of this recording. Actually, I think that the high end from the (rather overwhelming) guitar tone could’ve used the bass to be more present, with a rounder bottom end. And since the drums are drenched in reverb and tend to sound too punchy, the murky and oppressing atmosphere becomes a little light, if you know what I mean. Drummer / vocalist Kat’s performance rounds up this excellent release with a refined drumwork adding basic but neatly placed fills and letting the songs breathe and / or suffocate as needed. The vocals, a combination of deep growls and clean melodic passages, add the final touch to the desolate landscape of (the aptly titled) EP. ENSHROUDMENT is a worthy addition to my “classic” UK Doom / Death band list, delivering a solid debut. I am definitely looking forward to their next material. Absolutely recommended. More about band and label at www.facebook.com/enshroudment-2268154100096634 and www.facebook.com/goodmourningrecordsuk
Alfonso Perez