Reviewed – 02/12/06
Apocalupsis Damnare
[Paragon Records]
Ah Rigor Sardonicous, known only to me previously by the blurb album descriptions that pop up at distros as 'the most extreme' funeral doom band playing slower than any other, I must say that my interest had certainly been piqued when I threw in the disc for the first time. With a name that even means extreme or ridiculous stiffness, I couldn't helped but be excited. But alas, while reading the material that came with the album, I was made aware that Apocalypsis Damnare is a re-recording of the 'unspoken doom classic' of the same name originally released in 1999. The first thing that came to mind when I saw this was "why?" I've rarely understood the need or want to re-record an album. It must take nearly as much effort as just recording a new one. I assume the sound quality maybe was not very good or who knows what else could have been the reason.
When I finally got around to the actual music, I discovered that Rigor Sardonicous were not the most extreme funeral doom, or apocalyptic doom as they reference themselves, ever to have recorded. As far as the funeral genre goes, this doesn't stray far from standards and conventions. The vocals are impressive, possibly my favorite aspect of the disc. They are very guttural, and though not at all discernable, they still have a definition about them that is pleasing, at least to my ears. The guitars and drums are of course, slower than molasses in January, which is fine, but they lack an atmospheric quality present in a good portion of funeral doom. Perhaps it's a total lack of keyboards or any other instrument than guitar, drums and bass, but there are times when I just lose interest in the songs. Music like this is not supposed to be something that holds your interest the same way more traditional music does, but it is supposed to be something that can mesmerize you in a similar way that ambient music would. Unfortunately, this disc does not do this for me most of the time. I hesitate to call it boring, but it's lacking for sure. And maybe this is exactly the sound the band was vying for, they mention wanting to create the coldest, darkest, and heaviest sound possible.
It's difficult to recommend this album ahead of other similar bands. Funeral fans who are looking for something really stripped down and raw sounding might want to check this out, but otherwise I wouldn't suggest spending the time or the effort.
[Paragon Records]
Ah Rigor Sardonicous, known only to me previously by the blurb album descriptions that pop up at distros as 'the most extreme' funeral doom band playing slower than any other, I must say that my interest had certainly been piqued when I threw in the disc for the first time. With a name that even means extreme or ridiculous stiffness, I couldn't helped but be excited. But alas, while reading the material that came with the album, I was made aware that Apocalypsis Damnare is a re-recording of the 'unspoken doom classic' of the same name originally released in 1999. The first thing that came to mind when I saw this was "why?" I've rarely understood the need or want to re-record an album. It must take nearly as much effort as just recording a new one. I assume the sound quality maybe was not very good or who knows what else could have been the reason.
When I finally got around to the actual music, I discovered that Rigor Sardonicous were not the most extreme funeral doom, or apocalyptic doom as they reference themselves, ever to have recorded. As far as the funeral genre goes, this doesn't stray far from standards and conventions. The vocals are impressive, possibly my favorite aspect of the disc. They are very guttural, and though not at all discernable, they still have a definition about them that is pleasing, at least to my ears. The guitars and drums are of course, slower than molasses in January, which is fine, but they lack an atmospheric quality present in a good portion of funeral doom. Perhaps it's a total lack of keyboards or any other instrument than guitar, drums and bass, but there are times when I just lose interest in the songs. Music like this is not supposed to be something that holds your interest the same way more traditional music does, but it is supposed to be something that can mesmerize you in a similar way that ambient music would. Unfortunately, this disc does not do this for me most of the time. I hesitate to call it boring, but it's lacking for sure. And maybe this is exactly the sound the band was vying for, they mention wanting to create the coldest, darkest, and heaviest sound possible.
It's difficult to recommend this album ahead of other similar bands. Funeral fans who are looking for something really stripped down and raw sounding might want to check this out, but otherwise I wouldn't suggest spending the time or the effort.
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Tracklist:
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| Rating: 6/10 | |
| Release Date: 2005 | |
| Length: 47:07 | |
| Review By: Brendan Shaw | |
| Total Reviews: (1) | |
| Band's Website: Go Here | |
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