THE DOOMSDAY KINGDOM – Never Machine (EP)
- Posted on 01-12-2016
The Doomfather (aka Leif Edling) is at it again, putting together another attractive four-piece band in The Doomsday Kingdom for this debut EP "Never Machine". Featuring Wolf guitarist/ vocalist Niklas Stålvind just handling the singing for this group, the lineup also contains Avantarium guitarist Marcus Jidell and Narnia drummer Andreas Johansson. Not surprising that the four songs on display have that traditional doom aura, but also explore a bit of classic heavy metal terrain (the lead break for "The Sceptre" resonating in that 80’s NWOBHM sweet spot).
A dirty, fuzzy tone rings out the guitar opening for the title cut, Niklas using a sneering, commanding voice that has reverb in spots to double up the haunting atmosphere. The Candlemass-oriented rhythm section groove makes for instant head bob motions as well. Acoustic guitars punctuate the closer "The Whispering", proper use of keyboards and softer, slower words to paint the visuals of ‘ghosts’ and ‘cold hearted friends’. As each song traverses the six-minute mark, it’s interesting to hear The Doomsday Kingdom embrace a classic doom platform with proper analog recording ideals, keeping the sound pure as you feel the crackle of the electricity in the air.
Already ready to fire out a full-length follow up in 2017, The Doomsday Kingdom fills Leif’s need for NWOBHM-inspired riffs against 70’s era Sabbath terrain, making this another overall winner.