So I got my hands on a release from one of russia's young doom labels -- Solitude Production. Digressing briefly, not long ago I picked up a disc by the band INTALIYA in moscow, also released on Solitude Prod., and I must say it pleased me greatly. So when I received the promo version of this album, I hoped it would bring me joy as well. But alas, alas, and alas! It didn't work out, and that's a shame -- you can see the guys are trying, but something just didn't come together for them.
The accompanying press sheet read literally: "The latest work from the cult russian death-doom band. Deep and philosophical lyrics intertwined with sensual music -- this is EKKLESIAST." Nice introduction, but the actual content doesn't quite live up to it. Let me say right away what I didn't like about the album:
Perhaps the musicians were inspired by early MY DYING BRIDE (which it doesn't resemble), or perhaps they were experimenting with the drums, but the way the percussion sounds is hard to call doom -- the rhythm section leans more toward death metal.
Regarding the female vocals, honestly, it's not the type that suits this particular musical genre very well.
Well, this is probably the main problem of CIS bands trying to sing in English -- PRONUNCIATION. It's not terrible, but it needs work.
As for the album's content, the track sequencing is quite competent. There are acoustic-instrumental compositions: Flower of Anxiety, Seasons, as well as pieces performed in a heavy vein. Oh, and one more thing -- the first track opens with the sound of dripping rain and acoustic guitar arpeggios, very doom-like.
Regarding the recording quality, there are no complaints -- everything is well recorded, all instrumental parts are clearly audible, and the vocals are excellently produced.
In conclusion, I'd say the release is conceptually not bad; it just needs a bit more polish to reach the level befitting good death-doom. This album is worth a listen for all doom fans, and not only them -- it's worth knowing the bands that are striving to create something in this style across the CIS!