RITE OF ASCENSION EP REVIEW PUBLISHED: FEBRUARY 25, 2014
MAMMOTH STORM
Swedish doom trio Mammoth Storm formed near the end of 2012. In the first week of January, they released a two track EP called, “Rite of Ascension”. When the band formed, their sole purpose was to deliver, “some heavy riffs in the name of doom”, and did they ever.
The artwork is phenomenal and basic at the same time. Managing to have some eye-catching artwork with simple sepia and grey colours. Even the logo is magnificent.
Their EP track, “Rite of Ascension” starts off slow, heavy, and a lot like Mournful Congregation’s “Book of Kings”. Beautifully long, with no improvement needed. It is by far one of the best doom tracks I’ve ever heard. Powerfully raw vocals from Daniel Arviddson, all the while Christer Ström’s guitar playing and Emil Ahlman’s drumming are in harmony with one another.
Second and final track, “Obscure Horizon” is just as well done as their title EP track. Drone metal to the absolute core. I wouldn’t be able to say which one is my favourite, because both songs feel like one long journey to prepare yourself for forest rituals and primal life. No debate or hesitation when I say this is the best doom album of 2014.
Normally I would say, “I want more!” but I feel that this is perfect. 24 minutes of pure sludge hitting you in the face then lifting your chest. You’ll have to catch your breath after listening to the first track.