December 2024 - Featured Release - The Guardians Edition

How's it going, fellas? As we welcome the first days of December, the noble Guardian Knights are eager to hear about the next stronghold that's worthy of their graceful protection. This time, it is my honour to be their knight captain, so I've striven to select an aptly grand mission in the latest full-length from Chile's Capilla Ardiente, "Where Gods Live and Men Die", released October 18th.

Opting for a sound that lies somewhere upon the crossroads between heavy metal and epic doom, the band presents their tale through grand choruses and engaging lead guitar play, all the while that special, South American taste for epic atmospheres manifests itself in all its glory. I am happy to report that my CD copy is currently on its way, and I can't wait to give the album some focused listening, just as I absolutely look forward to hearing what you all think!

https://metal.academy/releases/56090

The first couple of times I listened to this, I didn't really get much out of it. Do I still like epic doom metal, I thought to myself?
But as I listened to more of the album, it struck me that my problem wasn't me, it was the album. It's not exactly epic doom metal, at least not as I recognize it. It's not epic doom metal, it's doom metal with epic metal attached. It's a doom metal album with a strong Manilla Road influence, and I don't think that combination really works. The crushing, heavy guitars combined with that heroic fantasy feeling is just jarring.
It doesn't help that the four songs on this album don't really do much to distinguish themselves from each other. Without distinguishing themselves, how can they be distinguished against others? Beyond that sense of heaviness, this album doesn't really have much that sticks out in my mind. There are no interesting riffs, heaviness is the point, and the solos are decent enough. The vocalist even just sounds like he's taking after someone else, but not doing it in an interesting way.
While I obviously didn't like the album, I do like that they tried to do something with their music that's just a bit out of left field. I think if they continue in this direction, they should go for something shorter. As contrary as it might seem, the greats used a mix of both short and long songs. Endless epics aren't necessarily better than short songs, and getting your point across in three minutes are as much a skill as making something ten minutes long.

2.5/5