Something about Chile’s PROCESSION screams Metal. It is nothing so shallow as studded belts and aviator sunglasses or Ed Repka cover art. Sure, the quality and delivery of their music contributes to this essence, but there is that extra, elusive ‘something’ that denotes a true mark of Metal quality – perhaps it is authentic passion. At any rate, while PROCESSION is labelled a Doom Metal band, there are plenty of tempo changes that will keep most ‘heads interested in the songs. Thankfully, Felipe Plaza’s soaring vocals are not of the typical whiny variety that so many traditional Doom bands prefer, instead being of a lower and more manly register – think REVEREND BIZARRE. At times, reminiscent of CANDLEMASS or even MY DYING BRIDE, the music is adorned with melodic and often anguished guitar solos (illustrating the aforementioned passion) and even bass playing occasionally takes a leading role, as in the instrumental opener, ‘Damnatio Memorae’. Sadly, this epicly morose record has been the accompaniment for my thoughts regarding the death of the great Jeff Hanneman. The tone of the song ‘The Death Minstrel’ especially has been a fitting soundtrack to the passing of the Slaytanic era. www.facebook.com/pages/procession/141525302533057