Fading Emptiness (Redrum 666)

 “Fading Emptiness” is the second album of this Polish Doom Metal band formed in 2004. Haven’t heard to this band before, I must say I’m nicely impressed by the style shown at this eight-track opus; the band plays here a crushing blend of Doom, Death and Funeral Doom Metal played in a straight, powerful manner, reminding me at moments the crawling sound of bands such Disembowelment and early Morgion… Heavy and obscure atmospheres created by mid tone Death Metal styled riffs and cavernous growling voices fill this record entirely, perfectly complementing the varied structures of this work. The whole album moves between mid paced Doom Metal tempos, blasting Death Metal passages and oppressive Funeral Doom Metal ambiances which, even when we have definitely heard this combination before, contribute here with a remarkable sense of variety… The album’s production is very decent as well, this work sounds quite primitive in its recording and mixing, which especially noticeable at the drum sound, but far from being a weak point, this whole early 90’s underground sounding production enormously contributes with the band’s obscure proposal. Even when Source Of Deep Shadows can definitely do it better in the originality department, the style and performance on this album are unquestionably remarkable, it’s been quite a while since the last time I heard such powerful combination performed in such coherent manner… Overall “Fading Emptiness” is a very solid work, a highly recommended piece for anyone who enjoys the sound of the straight, sober 90’s Doom Metal sound. So if you are into the obscure and oppressive sound of bands such Disembowelment, Thergothon, Morgion, Evoken and even early My Dying Bride, this album will definitely be a wise addition to your CD collection… (AP)