THE GATES OF SLUMBER

On "The Wretch" it's back to basics, back to the roots, and back to the stripped-down doom metal that has always been at the dark heart of Indianapolis' THE GATES OF SLUMBER. Whereas 2008's "Conqueror" and 2009's "Hymns of Blood and Thunder" pushed the doom envelope into traditional heavy metal territories, "The Wretch" sees the trio of guitarist/vocalist Karl Simon, bassist Jason McCash and new drummer J "Cool" Clyde Paradis (who replaces "Iron" Bob Fouts) slow it down, fold it back, and rely on a riff, a bass line, a drum kit, and a lead vocal to drive the point home.

The ST. VITUS vibe begins on "Bastards Born" and doesn't end until the final notes of 13-minute slow burner "Iron and Fire". Though a couple of minor detours are taken in the form of the compact, up-tempo "Coven of Cain" (closer to the material on the prior two releases) and quicker paced riff beast "The Scovrge ov Drvnkenness", this one is all about proper doom metal and grim atmosphere. Simon's vocals are better suited to the approach, as he wrenches out every haunting line and allows himself room for accent and punctuation. The same goes for the primal feel and purity of approach, whether it is the hugeness of the solos against mere bass/drum accompaniment or Paradis' shrewd and selective use of fills. Though feeling is paramount, it does not mean that sharp changeups are cast aside, as the shift from dismal tones to Bonham shuffle-beat and wicked bass groove on "Castle of the Devil" exemplifies. When the method is minimalist every minor tweak and tempo shift becomes gargantuan in impact. In that regard, there is a distinct dearth of examples better than "The Wretch".

If your only exposure to THE GATES OF SLUMBER came by way of "Conqueror" and/or "Hymns of Blood and Thunder" (both great albums),then you owe it to yourself to jump off the deep end and immerse yourself in "The Wretch". Let us never forget that THE GATES OF SLUMBER are first and foremost a doom act, and a mighty one at that.