DYING VICTIMS PRODUCTIONS is proud to present Graveyard Thunder, a special split album between BOTTOMLESS and WITCHING ALTAR, on CD and vinyl LP formats.

Graveyard Thunder is aptly titled, for it brings together two cult doom metal bands, each offering three exclusive new tracks for a total of 40 minutes of bewitching, bottom-heavy sound. BOTTOMLESS are likely familiar to those following the dark deeds of DYING VICTIMS, for the Italians released their second album, The Banishing, through the label last summer. While they largely stick to their tried & true template of classic Candlemass, Trouble, and Solitude Aeternus, there’s a certain silkiness to their entry here. “Soothing” is a strange misnomer, but not entirely inaccurate; slicked-up doom this is definitely NOT. Rather, one could maybe point to the almost-hushed haunting tones of Blue Öyster Cult’s “Burning for You” and indeed even “Don’t Fear the Reaper” as extrapolated touchstones for BOTTOMLESS’ velvety rumble on their three tracks – a unique and ultimately awesome development from this increasingly potent bunch.

WITCHING ALTAR complement their split-mates well, for they’re just as – if not more! – entrenched in the ‘70s and early ‘80s. And while the Brazilians had been on something of a hiatus until last year’s surprise release of the Morningstar EP, any new WITCHING ALTAR material is cause for celebration. Thankfully, no great changes have been made to their sound: always and forever, Ozzy-era Black Sabbath and oldest Pentagram form their foundation, fleshed out by the likes of Witchfinder General, Pagan Altar, and Count Raven. Maniacal DOOM METAL traditionalism for traditional doom metal maniacs, WITCHING ALTAR nevertheless inject their own spooky personality to proceedings, particularly on the titanic “The Crypts Below.” Graveyard Thunder rolls!

Review

Bottomless – Burning Of The Vampire opens this record and eerie sounds screech through the darkness before a dark and disturbed guitar creeks and squeals through the bleak shroud. It wallows sad and lost as if it was broken. A demonic voice is heard for a split second before we are then dropped into the sounds of darkness and evil. First impressions and a spookiness is certainly what this track feels drenched with. The hungry riffs march on as if they are on the lookout. The vocals pair perfectly with the music and i get vibes that this was picked straight from the late 70s rock era. The chorus lyrics of “burning of the vampire” sound a bit more uplifting in comparison to rest of the song. The solo is straight to the point and I really love the tone! A great little opener!

Bottomless – Lightning In The Realms Of Death is next up and I am loving the opening riff. The feeling I am getting strait away is this warm fuzziness inside. I think the production of the song certainly helps this and the fact the riff is simple but memorable is just great. It is a mix of slow and mid tempos, with walking pace guitar work and ‘that’ riff that comes back throughout. The vocals feel like a velvety topping to the song and the creepy sections in the song highlight this. There is a really nice and soothing break down or light guitar ideas and ride taps mixed with a soft and gentle vocal line. But then the spice is thrown in and things pick up. An electrifying little solo section is like a pick up and will certainly put a smile on your face! The main riff returns combined with the songs title lyrics to take the song to its end!

Bottomless – Shadows Call opens in an epic fashion with big ballsy toms and stomping guitar lines. Slightly eerie guitar licks are woven into this piece topped but dabbles of ripping leads. It feels that the rhythm work is the main focus of this song and they do it so well. Bottomless know how to write solid rock songs that combine warm guitar work, smooth, comforting vocals , and strong rhythm ideas from the bass and drums. Though the track is simple and probably a bit more toned down than the previous two I still enjoyed it.

Our second band is Witching Altar and the first track is The Sadness! Immediately I noticed how different the production and style is. Yes, it is very much still I guess doomy- hard rock but the production is a lot more raw and unpolished. Even the vocals are more punchy and out there. The swagger and attitude that The Sadness brings feels unhinged and like a beast that didn’t get its breakfast.It is dark, mysterious and full of life in many ways. It has loads of great riffs and some bouts of leads but all in all I was pleasantly surprised hearing the band for the first time!

Witching Altar – Silence At The Cross comes in slow and dirty. Just imagine you are in a trance lurching through the dark. Perhaps the sky is stirring and you stand watching a cult worship something not of good nature. I am usually a person who adores fast and furious music full of energy and explosive riffs but this is song is deliciously sinister and dark. The change of pace just injects something that extra bit special into the track. The riffs feel menacing an even the vocal style blends nicely. In the last minute we return to the slower pacing of the almighty worship. So if your a fan or getting lost in gloom then this is for you!

The final track Witching Altar’s The Crypts Below. Coming in at almost 9 minutes, is this going to be a song full of unnecessary filler or is it going to please my ears? We shall find out! So it begins slow, deep and like the last two songs dark. This time I imagine being stood on top of a cliff or mountain staring out over empty lands, with the a gently breeze of the night time kissing my ear canals. The musical ideas ring out through the emptiness like they are searching their emotions, or even questioning their existence. The vocal work follows the previous two tracks, with the style and how it fits together with the music. For me the slowness went on a bit too long before there was a pace change around 6.44. And that pace change was warmly welcomed! A punchy mid tempo thrash beat soaked in dripping lead ideas was a great way to carry the song out indeed!

Conclusion

So what do i think? Typically this style of doomy hardrock/metal is not what I would listen to. I guess one of the closest bands for me to this who I love is the fantastic Smoulder. But then all is subjective! I think Bottomless and Witching Altar are both great bands for different things and they both right solid music. If you want to feel warm and toasty and have your socks rocked off then Bottomless deliver. If you want to get lost in the haze and feel the powers of the devil him self then check out Witching Altar! Either way I am happy to have listened to this split release and can safely say it is worth a go!

The Nwothm Score: 7.5/10

Available now!

Label: https://dying-victims.de/

Line-up:

Bottomless:
David Lucido – Drums
Giorgio Trombino – Guitars, Vocals
Laura Nardelli – Bass

From Italy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bottomlessdoom

Witching Altar:
Peter Vitus – Guitars
T. Witchlover – Vocals, Bass
Hector Ricardo – Drums

From Brazil

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thewitchingaltar/

Artwork:
Welt

Release info:
– Regular edition on black vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, postcard and download code.
– Special edition on purple vinyl, with insert, poster, sticker, postcard download code and patch.
– CD edition with sticker, obi