Goat Of Mendes (GoM from now on) have existed for over a decade, but their 4th album 'A Book of Shadows' is the first time I hear their music. GoM's alloy of black/thrash/NWOBHM has been spiced up with folk influences.

Even though the band would be able to compose very much different songs, which they've done to some extent, they do have a clear vision and stay on that course, never trampling too far from their sound. GoM's trademark is the use of three vocalists and there's varying array of voices: clean, shrieked, growled and theatrical vocals (e.g. male voice sounding somewhat similar to Root's Jiri "Big Boss" Valter), both male and female ones. Probably (no lyrics, because I got a promo) playing different parts, songs sound like plays and stories. I think the lyrics are based on Wiccan paganism. Biggest problem with GoM's music is its familiarity, by which actually I mean melodies and riffs. Compositions go from manic thrashing to acoustic parts, from doom and from blackened atmosphere to droll folk. At first it sounds quite incoherent, but spinning the album a couple of times the music begins to take shape, and I bet by reading the lyrics it would help a lot, too. The songs could be a bit too longish.

The production generally is quite raw. Not heavy enough, methinks, and definitely not evil enough during the darkest parts. Drums and bass add some heaviness, but guitars aren't powerful, especially thin lead guitar. At least it sounds organic and quite well balanced. Violin and flute are a nice extra. Sometimes the violin sounds like on Skyclad album, sometimes more My Dying Bride style. The flute does not appear but seldom, which is a bit sad. Maybe it's too joyous for music which gets darker during the album.

Pagan metal fans should check out many samples available on the band's website. Actually previous album's, 'Thricefold's (2002), three songs sounded much better in my ears. The promo version of 'A Book of Shadows' without any lyrics does not convince me, I'm afraid, but there's very interesting bits and pieces every now and then.

Rating: 6 (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
01/17/2005 12:53