Beginning with a song over 12 minutes long, you know it will not be easy... And it surely isn't. But that what is so great about 'The Sullen Sulcus'. It is challenging. This is one of those albums, that sound ageless. This could be old, this could be future. This just is. The band themselves mentioned, that this is "torturous". Which it is, but when received right way, it all feels right. And enjoyable.

Six slowish songs of 'The Sullen Sulcus' are composed with such alchemy, that if doom metal does interest listener in any way, I promise this will hook him/her. This is heavy, in both musical and emotional scale. And it comes from guys' bleeding hearts. The songs are long, but Mourning Beloveth are able to conjure material that chains me after long and torturing repeating of some part. Using awesome intertwining guitar melodies and slight tempo variations, the song material is of high quality. There's no any Irish folk stuff in these six compositions what many a band use nowadays. However, the band's home is very clear after the first riff, because this is totally British. The sound is simply excellent; recorded by Mags at the Academy Studios, he has captured what one can call mournful vibe. Heavy, like too much weight on one's shoulders, guys' hearts talking through their instruments. Through their souls. While it is easy task to find Mourning Beloveth's influences, they have managed to carry on the legacy wonderfully.

Whereas growled vocals are not very individual, although good enough, clear ones are. Well sung and truly different from anything I've heard. Seldom, only seldom on spoken parts, they sound closely of My Dying Bride's Aaron. Some very atmospheric voice effects are used well. Lyrics are truly dark, going through inhuman places, but still about human feelings. I like the Lovecraft-ism of them, vastness of cold space.

Well, you don't listen to doom when getting ready for a night out, do you? It might get you in trouble... This demands time and open-mindness. Even though 'The Sullen Sulcus' is such an emotive piece, it is also relaxing in a way. Maybe, because now I know there's other suffering souls in this universe. If you're into doom coming/that came from the British Isles, you have to get this, believe my words. Mourning Beloveth sound familiar, but still I can't put it anyway else than "British doom".

Rating: 8+ (out of 10) ratings explained

Reviewed by Lane
07/11/2003 12:23