WINTERS „“Black Clouds in Twin Galaxies””

Music: Doom
Country: United Kingdom
Web site: www.myspace.com/winterstheband
Cools Songs: Fried, Endless Fight

WINTERS’ debut full-length comes via Rise Above Records. Usually an album bearing the mark of Rise Above signifies a solid doom metal or stoner doom release. Lee Dorian, vocalist for iconic doomsters CATHEDRAL, owns and maintains this label, so his approval should be all a fan of this style should need. However, in the case of “Black Clouds in a Twin Galaxies,” listeners should first investigave the album, and should not purchase this album solely based on Dorian’s endorsement.

“Black Clouds…” is a mixed bag. Sure, the music is true to the traditional doom metal style. Rife with BLACK SABBATH comparisons, the guitar tones are dirty and the pace doesn’t betray the slow dirges typified by the doom metal movement. Stand out stoner rock relics such as BLUE CHEER and CAPTAIN BEYOND also come to mind, especially in the mellow, hippy-like vocals. Where the band throws a curve ball is with the grunge influence.

Take for instance “Aftershown.” This track begins with a simple, though furry guitar lick, but during some of the instrumental breaks, the band starts to sound like NIRVANA. Here Paul Fyfe’s vocals hit a similar tone to Kurt Cobain. His string slides and melodies identify with NIRVANA’s alternative guitar style. Certain moments like this bring to mind alternative music, but also classic rock bands like THE BEATLES.

Just like NIRVANA, WINTERS sing on morose, negative personal topics, but NIRVANA should get some credit because they could elevate the energy to bring out the anger in their songs. WINTERS’ music tippy-toes along the edge of bleakness, but never hits a passionate stride like other similarly minded doom bands such as THE OBSESSED and TROUBLE. Fyfe’s vocals are far too light for the mood of this album. He rarely displays inflection in his vocals, staying with the same slumbering, fluffy voice through out the album. Kudos go out to WINTERS for sounding different, separating their selves from the hordes of SABBATH clones, but the things that make them unique also hinder their sound.

note: 5/10

Tracklist

1. Fried
2. Aftershown
3. Oh No
4. Endless Fight
5. Life Was So Simple
6. Mark My Word
7. Two Wrongs Make a Right
8. Destroyer
9. No Will
10. Did Me In
11. Black Clouds in Twin Galaxies 06:07
Total playing time 40:47

Line-up

Paul Fyfe – Guitars/Vocals
Nigel Ingram – Bass
Andy Prestidge – Drums