Release date: June 22nd 2018. Label: Self Released. Format: DD
Shadow Dies In Morning LIght – Tracklisting
1.Burdened by Stone 09:57
2.Void 10:06
3.Water in the Basin 12:22
4.Shadow Dies in Morning Light 11:27
Members
Asher Johnson - Guitar
Blake DeWitt - Bass / Vocals
Andy Hannaman - Drums
Review
RIPIS are a band influenced by Doom Metal bands such as YOB and Pallbearer. However these guys add a touch of Sludge and Post-Metal darkness into the mix. The band has just released their epic new album Shadow Dies In Morning Light and it's quite a gloomy affair that is full of heavy progressive Psychedelic Doom Metal riffs.
Opening song - Burdened By Stone - is the first of four songs that run near or past the ten minute mark. The music is heavy with the band not wasting any time in playing a heavy sludge and post-metal groove. The vocals from Blake are not what you initially expect as they have a slight alternative/indie rock feel. This allows RIPIS to focus creating an environment that is highly volatile with loud doomy guitars being played at a slow pace.
The whole tone and theme of the album can be quite depressing at times and RIPIS never shy away from touching upon on hard-hitting subjects. This allows the album to be one of the more personal offerings I've heard in some time. However that doesn't stop RIPIS managing to include uplifting riffs that elevates the listener above the darkness of the album.
The whole tone and theme of the album can be quite depressing at times and RIPIS never shy away from touching upon on hard-hitting subjects. This allows the album to be one of the more personal offerings I've heard in some time. However that doesn't stop RIPIS managing to include uplifting riffs that elevates the listener above the darkness of the album.
Second song - Void - carries on the progressive journey but with a more remorseful approach. The song does start off really slowly with an Ambient/Post-Rock vibe. RIPIS play at their own pace on this song and it does take time for the song to fully come alive. The lyrics and vocals yet again are thoughtful, insightful and cut right to the bone. This song has an almost "Funeral Doom" quality to it.
This is where the album starts adding a more cinematic feel to it. As the whole flow of the album becomes bigger, grander and even theatrical at times. Maybe RIPIS could have held back on the emotional content at times but this is an album with an intense vision and RIPIS deserve credit for not changing course for the remainder of the album.
The final two songs - Water In The Basin and the excellent title track - carries on the gloomy atmospheric with RIPIS playing the albums heaviest moments. Shadow Dies In Morning Light on a technical level is almost near perfect. The instrumental work is flawless and technically brilliant. As RIPIS weave a dark magical tapestry that Pallbearer would be proud to call their own.
I hope RIPIS manage to build a momentum with this album so they can gain some well-deserved recognition within the Doom/Sludge Metal scene. Overall, Shadow Dies In Morning Light is an album that you cannot ignore. As this is a must have album.
Words by Steve Howe
Words by Steve Howe
Thanks to RIPIS for the promo. Shadow Dies In Morning Light is available to buy now.
Links:
