Release
date: June 13th 2015. Label: Shattered Man Records. Formats: CD/DD
Cosmic
Oblivion: Tracklisting
1.Cosmic
Crush
2.Vortex
to Oblivion
3.Lost
to Forever
4.Frigid
Bitch
5.Deceiver*
(Judas Priest)
6.Time's
Fortune (Acoustic)
7.Tides
of Doom (Live)
Band
Members:
Doomstress
Alexis-Bass & Vox
Brandon
Johnson-Lead Guitar
Raymond
Matthews-Drums.
Review:
Project
Armageddon is a well respected Doom Metal Band from Houston, Texas.
I've heard of the band during my time reviewing and interviewing
bands within the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal scene but I'm afraid to say
I hadn't heard any of the band's material before I downloaded the
excellent Doomed & Stoned Compilation –The Enchanter's Ball –
as Project Armageddon stood out for me.
Alexis
being the cool lady of Doom that she is, kindly provided me with a
copy of the bands latest album and their 3rd so far –
Cosmic Oblivion. They've come highly recommended by Doomed &
Stoned and that's enough recommendation for me to check out. So what
do we have with Cosmic Oblivion. Well you have 4 new tracks, 1
awesome Judas Priest Cover and a pair of old tracks given the
Acoustic and Live makeover treatment.
So
let's get started with the four new songs as Project Armageddon open
with the heavy as hell instrumental track – Cosmic Crush. 8 minutes
of long drawn out doomy riffs that harks back to the days of classic
doom where the music had purpose and the power to thrill you. Project
Armageddon create an eerie atmosphere as the pounding drums of
Raymond create a sense of danger for the band to build upon. The lead
guitar and bass guitar from Brandon and Alexis respectively are
played with precision and deadly purpose. Shades of Black Sabbath
appear from time to time but Project Armageddon have been around long
enough to stamp their own take on all things Doom Metal.
Second
track – Vortex To Oblivion – opens with a creepy style occult
rock riff with the band building different layers of doom to entice
you with. It can be very slow-paced at times but who's going to argue
with the band. I'm not. I'm enjoying the heavy and brutal atmosphere
with the doom and gloom riffs starting to take hold. The instrumental
work is superb through-out. When Alexis finally starts singing with
her banshee like vocals, you can hear why Project Armageddon are so
highly thought of. Alexis just kills it on vocals, she is the pure
embodiment of DOOM!!! - The vocals are sultry, dangerous and highly
volatile at times. The riffs courtesy of Brandon, create a sense of
eerie tension with Raymond bashing the hell out of his drums like his
live depended on it. Probably my fave track on the album.
Third
Track – Lost To Forever – carries on the same startling vibe from
Vortex To Oblivion though played at a faster pace and with a more
harsher tone. It can be very psychedelic at times as Alexis shows her
impressive vocal range once again. The lyrics can be very bleak at
times but that's expected from Project Armageddon as they're not
afraid to explore dark lyrical content. The band even manage to add
beautiful sonic noises during the 2nd half of the track
which can only be described as – TRIPPY AS HELL. Hell, the band
even play some impressive NWOBHM beats and riffs towards the end.
Fourth
Track – Frigid Bitch – is the albums more traditional hard rock
number with the band still performing some heavy doomy riffs. It's a
good song but it's one I consider one of the weaker tracks on the
album. Still some damn good instrumental work by all involved.
Up
next is a brilliant cover of the Judas Priest classic – Deceiver –
and the band more than make it their own. So what do Project
Armageddon do with their version. Well it's more doomier and slightly
longer than the original as the band slow the riffs down to create
something different to the original. Which is what a cover should
actually be all about.
The
final two songs are different versions of Project Armageddon classic
tracks. Times Fortune is a killer acoustic version with Alexis on
sparkling form. It's good to hear a different side to the band.
Definitely one of the albums highlights. Tides Of Doom is a superb
live performance from the band. It can be rough to hear at times but
it shows how great this band is on a live stage. Heavy and confident
as hell.
Cosmic
Oblivion is a stunning album for all you Doom Metal fanatics. Check
it out as you need to check out Project Armageddon now.
Thanks
to Alexis for the promo. Cosmic Oblivion is out to buy now on CD via
Shattered Man Records from all good stockists.
Words
by Steve Howe
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