Bands such as CANDLEMASS, BROCAS HELM, SAINT VITUS, SOLITUDE AETERNUS and CIRITH UNGOL were my first listen to Doom Metal as I came to know this subgenre. So when I first heard about the word “Epic” being thrown in the mix, I wondered how that would sound and if it was a new and different subgenre. Well, in my opinion, bands such as PROCESSION, FORSAKEN and SORCERER just to mention some, really added that monumental atmosphere that helped Doom Metal become “Epic”. And here is where PROFESSOR EMERITUS, from Chicago, Illinois (USA) and active since 2010, come into the mix. Their debut album came out in 2017 and after eight years and some line-up changes, have released their sophomore album “A Land Long Gone”. Sure, there are a lot of influences from the aforementioned bands. It would be illogical to expect something different from this style of music. But they are not to be considered a mere copycat. These guys know their instruments and the music they wanted to play, which is pretty much on par with the “pioneers” so to speak. I mean, the opener ‘A Corpse’s Dream’ is so good that I could not believe it is almost eight minutes long. And it paves the way for the other seven songs, including the shortest (and hard hitter) ‘Conundrum’ at four minutes. The album spans 53 minutes of high quality heavy music; sometimes melodic, sometimes pissed off with an elegant approach and a grandiose aura. This album has a lot of replay value. It almost seemed too short. PROFESSOR EMERITUS manages to keep the listener interested, infusing their songs with lots of variation, tempo changes, great vocal melodies and acoustic parts. Performance wise, guitarists Lee Smith and Tyler Antram churn out memorable riffs and guitar harmonies that feel familiar yet fresh and crispy. I especially liked the lead bits here and there. Jose Salazar bass is stellar, providing the backbone for every song but also adding a lot of texture. He is the perfect link between the guitars and Chris Avgerin’s solid drum work, which centers on the groove when the band is firing on all cylinders. I also respect how he knows when to back up and let the other instruments shine. Last but not least, the new vocalist Esteban Julian Pena, who sings anything and everything that is thrown at him; harsh and raspy tone, soaring high notes and delicate lows. I do think he is the perfect fit for PROFESSOR EMERITUS. I think the production leans towards the late ’80s. Maybe a less processed IRON MAIDEN’s “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son” sound. The guitar tone is organic, pulling back the gain in favor of a crunchier sound but also filling the mid and high spectrums. The bass is mid-range oriented which suits the guitar and the drums. Speaking of the drums, I would’ve liked to have a punchier attack, but they work really well with the string instruments. Especially the kick drum and the toms. The overall mix is perfectly balanced, with the vocals sitting flawlessly in the mix. The master is just a tad bricked but it does not affect the listening experience. There are more than enough dynamics to just sit back and enjoy the ride. PROFESSOR EMERITUS has created and developed their identity and character with this album. I would say it is the perfect example of the Epic Doom Metal subgenre in the 21st century. It feels both new and old. “A Land Long Gone” is an album that should appeal to any Metal fan out there. A great step forward and, for me, another contender for my top 10 list of 2025. Simply brilliant! Show the band some support at www.facebook.com/professoremerituslives and get this album from their label www.facebook.com/noremorserecordsgreece