Bedemon
Symphony Of Shadows ()
Wydane przez Svart RecordsRok wydania Kraj USANapisał Wouter8
Forming in California in 1973 Bedemon is perhaps one of the US most intriguing proto-doom metal units, as an extension of that other legendary early US doom act Pentagram. Along with with Saint Vitus, Trouble and Witchfinder General, Pentagram were one of the first true doom metal bands, influenced by Black Sabbath. "Symphony Of Shadows" is heavily influenced by the self-titled debut of Black Sabbath, while being far heavier and gloomier overall. ‘Lord Of Desolation’ is an outstanding example of just that. The mid-album rocker ‘Kill You Now’ even uses simple handclapping to outstanding effect. The riffing is clearly inspired by that of Tony Iommi, but the bass lines and drum patterns might not match the jazz-like creativity of Geezer Butler or Bill Ward, but it is clear Bedemon have their hearts in the right place. In other places it sounds like Blue Cheer and Thin Lizzy. If anything this vintage sounding record just oozes atmosphere through its pores. The prominent and desolate bass lines, morose vocals, thick grooves, sparse keyboards or the downbeat riffing and solo’ing – "Symphony Of Shadows" has no other intent than to club you over the head with psychedelic proto-doom of the purest and truest kind. As more and more contemporary bands fall for the flavor of the week, it is good to have bands like this getting released internationally. It might have taken Bedemon longer to get there (misfortune they share with their alma mater Pentagram), but anyone who likes earliest Black Sabbath and/or influential proto-doom acts will undoubtly enjoy this record immensely. The cover image was no doubt inspired by a scene of 1922 German Expressionist horror film Nosferatu.
www.svartrecords.com
