Echoes Through Catacombs (Solitude Productions)

 This copy of “Echoes Through Catacombs” I’ve got in my hands is the re-released version of the “cult” debut EP of this obscure Doom Metal band formed by Xathagorra Mlandroth after leaving his former project Hierophant behind. The original version of this EP were released under Cthulhu Productions in 2003 and consisted in just two tracks clocked at 30 minutes, this CD besides featuring these two tracks in its primitive original version also includes the remastered versions of each one… the results: about an hour of agonizing and torturous Doom Metal at its best. Those familiarized with the obscure sound of Hierophant will hardly find a negative point at this EP; the unmerciful sound of Catacombs follows up with the primordial and monolithic sound of Xathagorra Mlandroth primitive incarnation in a, slightly varied, but no less obscure manner. The dense, monolithic and droning atmosphere created by the impenetrable wall of immense riffs is complemented by some occasional macabre and suffocating lead guitar lines reaching its highest point at “Consigned to Flames of Woe”... The vocal work here is as remarkable as the whole instrumentation, delivering thickness, tension and enormously contributing with the whole work’s infernal aura. This EP, even when shows a slightly (very slightly) varied approach in comparison with Hierophant’s works, still maintains an intense hypnotic, trance-like atmosphere, increased by the repetition of the tracks, which allows you to get deeper and deeper into this catastrophic piece of art… Everyone fascinated with the esoteric and sombre visions of this world should definitely check this release out… fans of Funeral Doom Metal, this is an album you definitely can’t miss… By the way, this version of “Echoes Through Catacombs” is limited to 500 copies and includes an entirely new artwork (as usual with Solitude Production’s re-releases). (AP)