WELL OF SOULS

There is an entire subgenre within doom metal -- melodic, with elements of classic heavy metal, and invariably featuring clean vocals. The era of its widespread popularity has long passed (remember bands like SORCERER, MEMORY GARDEN, SOLSTICE, THUNDER STORM, and so on?). Nowadays, probably only SOLITUDE AETURNUS remains afloat, and CANDLEMASS recently reformed. Yet bands continue to emerge playing exactly this kind of doom -- and nothing else. They enjoy popularity only among fans of this particular niche, but that doesn't stop them from continuing to release albums in the same vein. WELL OF SOULS hail from the States and operate under the patronage of John Perez from the aforementioned SOLITUDE AETURNUS. They don't reach for the stars, nor do they aspire to universal fame. Their music is quite melodic, featuring plenty of classic BLACK SABBATH influences and a touch of medieval folk melodies. Everything as expected. Pleasant to listen to, but a bit on the dull side.