Track 6 originally released in the album "Valley of Dreams" 1995
Track 7 originally released in the EP "Voice of the Soul… Under the Tears of Sun" 2015
He was about to lose his life. He closed his eyes and waited for the shot. In the background, he heard the thugs mocking him. The seconds that passed felt like centuries. Finally, the explosion echoed in his ears. He felt a faint sting in his head. Then, it was like diving into deep, dark waters. In fact, that was precisely what he thought was happening. He tried to swim to the surface, but his body wouldn't respond. As he went deeper, he saw passages from his life that in one way or another marked him forever. The images became increasingly blurred until they disappeared completely, as did the fear and suffering. For a brief moment, he felt relief and peace. Then, he was swallowed up by nothingness...
Welcome to the universe of Dormanth.
Base Record Production will release the new EP from melodic death doom metallers Dormanth, titled "Abyss," on May 27, 2019.
The lineup is: Óscar Del Val (guitar and vocals), Javi Martínez (drums), Isma Fernández (bass), and Miguel Ángel Richart Jiménez (guitar).
Fans of the dramatic and dark, you're in luck. This latest assault from the Bilbao natives will not disappoint you at all. The band's personal compositional signature is intact. This means that, as always, the tunes are effective, direct, and melancholic, without ever renouncing aggression. As a curious aside, I absolutely need to tell you that they've released a modern version of "Black Moon" and "Shadow of a Tear." If you want to experience these songs in their original form, you should check out the 2017 compilation "Valley of Sadness." As for the production, it's crisp and contemporary, adding artwork that perfectly reflects the music within.
The six strings of Óscar and Miguel Ángel are gray and moribund. Their riffs are heavy, fluid, and constantly present with double harmonies. The attacks on one string are simply anecdotal. Meanwhile, the solos, while not exactly a technical display, fulfill their purpose perfectly.
Regarding the vocals, the growls rule. Despite this, they introduce clean vocals in "Silent Room" and whispers in "Dark Smile."
It's true that they don't completely abandon up-tempo beats, but what overflows here are the drums pounded at half speed.
Personally, I would highlight the opening "Wave," where the quartet lays their cards on the table, showing which suit they're in. Of course, I can't leave out the accelerated and previously mentioned "Dark Smile."
Sample: youtube.com/watch?v=omWT5O0yyBg&t=253s
Official promo video: youtube.com/watch?v=QrZykPZtDHg
