Altar Of Betelgeuze - Among The Ruins (EN)

The second album is most of the time the first guide for a band to show whereto the journey goes and which further stylistic devices will be used. Can a derivation be identified? The guys of Altar of Betelgeuze don't let themselves willfully be classified as any category. They are a rather musical bastard of Doom, Stoner and Death, whereby the Doom Metal part outweighs without doubt. Everything is surely enriched with enough Stoner and Death Metal parts. It is clear that this is an album that can be located in the high-speed area.

The Finns are trying their best to keep the songs short of breath despite their duration. This succeeds, however, only limited. In some songs, like "Sledge of Stones", the main riff will be played up to unconsciousness and loses its validity. The mix of clean vocals (guitarist Olli Suurmunne) and sinister growls (Matias Nastolin) relaxes the whole thing then again.

This runs like a common thread through the entirety of "Among the Ruins". The riffing is massive, pushing and a bit psychedelic at times and overthere the clean vocals fit very well. Even in the dark guitar parts the growl passages effects then rude, evil and are there placed perfectly. The strict division of both vocal styles makes the whole mixture interesting again.

The sound of the album is raw, dirty and not overproduced. Also the guitars are easily heard and the bass hammers throughout the speakers. Unfortunately, the drums are the biggest drawback. I can still hear the rattle of the crash-cymbal in my ears and the Hi-Hat sounds often like plate of colored dosh.
Why this album was recommended to fans of Electric Wizard, Amorphis or Solitude Aeternus is unknown to me and will probably reamin a secret forever.

Conclusion:
It is a mixed album that is presented by Altar of Betelgeuze. A powerful moment and absolute album highlight is "Absence of Light". Unfortunately, it is the only real powerful song. More than a healthy average cannot be found on the 7-song-album.

Rating: 5/10

Recommendation: Absence of Light