Bay Area post-metal doom band Mountaineer have developed an intriguing sonic vision that audaciously channels diverse influences throughout the third full length “Bloodletting”. 

In the beginning, the choral vocals of “Blood Of The Book” create a suspenseful mood introducing mellow shimmering shoegaze nuances that hold an essential role in the composition yet guitars will soon embrace a massive doom inspiration delivering some heavy lugubrious riffage. 

The minimalist melodies of “Shot Through With Sunlight” flow through the hazy atmosphere like a fading daydream and guitars gradually acquire darker doom tonalities amplified by the fierce growls ultimately generating elaborate heavier rhythmic patterns.  

You can easily appreciate the introspective depth of the gorgeous harmonies flourishing throughout the title track which in fact aims to create a moody melodic grandeur emphasizing the darkened melancholia of the soothing guitar progressions and the soulful clean vocals.  “South To Infinity” deliberately follows a significantly heavier doom/sludge formula focusing on mighty guitar riffs and hostile vocals to build imposing groovy dynamics yet there are also pleasant contemplative moments and stylish nostalgic melodies. 

 “Ghost Story” immediately feels like an immersive experience as the guitar work carefully crafts comforting melancholic melodies that will naturally evolve into a majestic rhythmic crescendo expressing ardent feelings. 

Mountaineer are fully embracing the emotive nature of post-metal without sacrificing the crushing force of doom metal and the consequent cathartic musical evolution today naturally leads to the darkly epic soundscapes of “Bloodletting”. 

Longstanding Greek band On Thorns I Lay triumphantly returns with the new deeply emotional melodic doom/death metal opus “Threnos” which is destined to spellbind the audience with stunning gloomy soundscapes. 

The doom force is strong on “The Song Of Sirens” with a terrific rhythmic backbone as guitars impeccably deliver slow burning melodies and mighty riffage in the midst of an extremely sorrowful atmosphere emphasized by a hypnotic piano piece. 

“Ouranio Deos” focuses on cathartic atmospheric waves and enchanting strings that enrich the exquisite somber tonalities of the guitar work shifting from eloquent harmonies to bold riffs and certainly the ominous growls amplify the presence of the heavier rhythmic dynamics. 

On “Erynies” the leitmotif is once again a heart wrenching melancholy as the slower doom style pace emphasizes the emotional tones of the guitar melodies while the compelling rhythmic crescendo is embellished by the pleasant vintage organ. 

The captivating melodic grandeur of “Odysseia” deserves your utmost attention as the opulent composition often puts the spotlight on the tranquil gorgeous arpeggios, the charming guitar phrases and the sophisticated beauty of classical violins while the monumental rhythmic section successfully channels the darkest mournful elements of classic doom metal.  

Throughout the years On Thorns I Lay have perfected their darkened melodic vision and today they continue to craft emotional tales of loss and despair on “Threnos” with undiluted passion and stylish songwriting.