THE GATES OF SLUMBER, a seminal name in the Doom Metal scene, have returned with their self-titled sixth studio album, “The Gates Of Slumber”, marking their first release in 13 years. The band, which tragically disbanded in 2014, following the death of bassist Jason McCash, has attempted to make a strong comeback, reigniting their signature sound while introducing a world-wearier perspective. Formed in the early 2000s, THE GATES OF SLUMBER carved a place for themselves with their heavy, old school Doom rooted in the influences of BLACK SABBATH and SAINT VITUS. Their lyrical themes often drew from the fantastical and grotesque realms of Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft. Following McCash’s passing, guitarist Karl Simon formed a new project, WRETCH, but the allure of The Gates surely proved irresistible, which leading to their reformation in 2020 for Germany’s Hell Over Hammaburg festival, featuring original drummer Chuck Brown. And with this comeback they intended to showcase everything that made them a formidable force in Doom Metal. This is apparent from the opening track, ‘Embrace The Lie’, as the listeners are greeted with the instantly recognizable, looping guitar riffs that define Simon’s style. His guitar work is reminiscent of Tony Iommi and Dave Chandler, delivering classic Doom riffs that are both simple and staggeringly powerful. The album continues to get deep with tracks like ‘We Are Perdition’ which transitions from a robust main thrust to an eerie, sparse soundscape, showcasing the band’s dynamic range. ‘Full Moon Fever’ stands out with one of the heaviest riffs in their discography, exemplifying the band’s ability to balance weight and melody. The track ‘The Fog’ delivers a dense, haunting atmosphere, characterized by snarled, reverberating vocals and wild lead guitar work. The album closure, ‘The Plague’, marks a fitting end to this enticing record with sinister tonality and forlorn atmosphere. Lyrically, Simon’s writing exhibits a more cynical and world-wearier outlook, adding depth and maturity to the album’s themes. The production is strong and helps to express the inner strength of the compositions and the intense atmosphere. All this makes this return very commendable and certainly captures the essence of their legacy, while embracing the wisdom of experience. For fans of heavy music, this release is a must-listen, reaffirming the band’s status alongside legends like HIGH ON FIRE and PENTAGRAM. To find out more about the band and label, please visit www.facebook.com/thegatesofslumber or www.facebook.com/svartrecords