The Sabbathian - Ritual Rites (2014)

Delivering waves of crushing riffs and hypnotic vocals, today we have The Sabbathian and their debut EP, “Ritual Rites”. Formed by Chad Davis (ex-Hour of 13), Joey Down (Altar Blood), and the charismatic Anette Uvaas Gulbrandsen, this band combines Doom structures with a hefty dose of Heavy Metal influences, giving them a very retro and rich sound.

The album leads off with the monumental “Ancient’s Curse”. For over seven minutes we get expertly crafted riffs that instantly set you off in a spiraling ‘doom mood’. Anette’s vocals greatly enhance the ritualistic feeling and work wonders on the retro Heavy Metal-eseque passages that are thrown into the mix. The release continues with the slow-paced headbanging anthem “Ritual Rites” delivering over six minutes of enthralling atmospheric riffs. The vocals are a healthy mixture of Jex Thoth and Agnete M. Kirkevaag of Madder Mortem.

Culminating this short but sweet release, “Nightshade Eternal” delivers the goods with a powerful retro vibe and that certain Heavy Metal essence in the air mixed in with drowning Doom riffs. With this track closing down this EP, we are left eagerly expecting for a full-length of this very promising outfit. If you are a die-hard collector, be sure to pick up this release in its limited to 500 copies vinyl version.

Label: Svart Records

Release: September 5th, 2014

Genre: Doom Metal

Country: USA / Norway