Majestic Downfall ‎"Temple Of Guilt" CD

Majestic Downfall is a one-man-band, which recaptures the feeling of the 90’s European Doom Metal scene, and mixes it with some more modern Doom Metal and Depressive Black Metal overtones. The music is somber and melancholic in some moments, while in others it is simply apokalyptic and funereal. Find here the right way for a travel into a true, supreme and mournful Doom Metal world that doesn’t follow trends. For real fans of early My Dying Bride, Katatonia, Saturnus, Celestial Season, early Katatonia and Forgotten Tomb. Majestic Downfall is more or less the project by Jacobo Córdova with the intent to mainly play classic doom metal in the European style. While implementing more and more other elements into his music over the course of the following releases his first full length “Temple of Guilt” might be the most traditional one showcasing doom/death metal of the highgest order
Like often the case when it comes to that particular style of metal “Temple of Guilt” does not simply follow a pop song formula consisting of the traditional verse-bridge-chorus parts. The songs feature arrangements that flow and evolve as each riff closes. Each transition marks an indistinguishable final chapter in a song segment. This album is mostly comprised of pieces, not standard songs. However, it is the way how those pieces have been put together that makes this album stand out from most of its peers.
It can become a bit of a difficult listen as Jacobo slows down to a crawl downpicking slowly to the slogging beat. Lovers of faster and more casual metal might find this boring and start to look elsewhere. While this is for sure not the kind of music I could listen to each and all day I highly appreciate the mood he is able to create, leading to a satisfying listening experience given the right circumstances. Some of the harmonies and themes are downright gorgeous in their melancholic beauty.
Enhanced by well-judged keyboards, “Temple of Guilt” may be steeped in atmosphere, but doesn’t lack a brutal edge; this is death/doom after all, rather than purely doom metal. Some of the material on this album is quite direct, meaning that the death metal side of its personality shines through stronger from time to time. This is counteracted, of course, by their more mood-driven and emotive proclivities, and overall across the album these different aspects are balanced well, resulting in a very enjoyable and engaging piece of work. The vocals are maybe the most aggressive piece of the puzzle as the growling is intense and upbeat reminding more of traditional death metal bands than of doom metal combos. That being said they work to a great extent in that set-up and with the delivery being on point the music gets another interesting layer. There are a few clean vocal pieces used as additional atmospheric element in the background to enhance the overall sound.
The production is strong and the mix is crystal clear. Each instruments and all the used samples can be heard in full detail with the sound being dynamic and not too sterile. There is a certain level of heaviness but whoever did the mix took care that nothing is overdone. Overall “Temple of Guilt” is a fantastic example of atmospheric and heavy music performed and recorded with enthusiasm and on a high level of professionalism.

Official promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

Sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...