Release Date: March 28th 2025. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: CD/DD
Silence The Raven - Tracklisting
1.Rebirth 02:53
2.The Order 04:02
3.Trials of the Knight 03:13
4.Wither 06:36
5.Call of the World Serpent 03:57
6.Cult Leader 04:23
7.The Icon...The Betrayer 05:38
8.Silence the Raven 05:25
9.Abyssus Daemonium 06:01
Review
Silence The Raven is the second full length album from Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal duo Wet Temple who have slimmed down from a power trio since their 2019 debut self-titled album. What they lack in numbers they make up for in sheer brute force with their punishing style of fast paced style of pure carnage. Inspired by the likes of CONAN, BEHOLD THE MONOLITH, HIGH ON FIRE and other bands of that ilk. There’s perhaps a fantasy influence behind the lyrics for this album with some of the song titles giving a strong indication of what to expect.
The music is mostly down tuned and powered by an AMPLIFIED FUZZ METAL sound which has levels of distorted melody through the harsh vocals that accompany the subtle grooves. There’s echoes of Thrash, Speed Metal and Psychedelic surroundings on the record which becomes more noticeable on the longer tracks held on the album such as Wither, The Icon…The Betrayer and Abyssus Daemonium.
With the band showing a great style of vintage sounding Sludge/Stoner Metal with an almighty SABBATHIAN presence that allows Wet Temple to become primal within the shorter tracks with the excellent batch of opening tracks Rebirth, The Order and Trails Of The Knight to create a mystical world that legendary characters such as CONAN THE BARBARIAN would easily thrive. With a modern day DOOM & GLOOM aesthetic allowing the Progressive Metal themes to provide realistic melodies with a harsh gruff creative attitude that manifests into some top-notch riffage that once again has a certain early era HIGH ON FIRE flair.
However, Silence The Raven works best when Wet Temple just play a no holds barred and simple style of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal where the FUZZ METAL sounds take sole control with the band offering the heaviest and freshest grooves on the record especially on tracks such as Wither, Call Of The World Serpent and Silence The Raven.
Despite the fantastical setting of the album, the lyrics can be quite grounded which allows Silence The Raven to have a thoughtful creative attitude with Wet Temple playing top-notch and equally thrilling HEAVY METAL thunderous grooves throughout.
Wet Temple have released an absolute MONSTER with this superbly entertaining record and it’s one you’ll be headbanging for days to come.
Excellent and Highly Recommended.
Words by Steve Howe
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