The Indianapolis heavy metal band The Gates Of Slumber have just released their latest CD entitled HYMNS OF BLOOD & THUNDER, a tribute to the classic metal sound of the late 70’s/early 80’s. Invoking images of barbaric warlords, sinister sorcerers, and apocalyptic battlefields, HYMNS OF BLOOD & THUNDER transports the listener to a simpler age, where the gods of metal forged mighty bands from steel and brimstone.

Heavily influenced by the style of Black Sabbath, St. Vitus, Judas Priest, and Scorpions (and a slew of others), The Gates Of Slumber manage to retain that vintage 3 piece band sound without sounding empty or uninteresting. What little overdubs that are present are necessary, and add a nostalgic psychedelic atmosphere to their music. In fact, the entire CD sounds very analog in production, from the distortion on the guitars to the warmth of the bass. The effects used on the vocal tracks and the tone of the drum set are all quite consistent with something that would have been produced in the classic era of heavy metal music.



HYMNS OF BLOOD & THUNDER starts off in high gear with “Chaos Calling” and “Death Dealer”, which feature plenty of down-picking rhythms and galloping double bass drumbeats. Unfortunately for me, the CD loses it’s momentum by the 3rd track, and the band’s Doom Metal roots take over. Distorted guitars are often replaced by acoustic rhythms that sound more like a harp or lyre, and bluesy guitar solos take center stage over vocal verses. Personally, I tend to favor the more aggressive tracks, but the slower doom-laden tunes hold their own, as would any Black Sabbath tune from the 70s. All in all, HYMNS OF BLOOD & THUNDER is a valiant effort on the part of these metal preservationists who are continuing a style of music that has all but disappeared to due the over produced digital releases of this modern day and age.



For more:
http://www.myspace.com/thegatesofslumber

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