Album Review: CHURCH OF VOID – Dead Rising

Svart Records – Out Now.

Debut albums from young and up-and-coming bands are released pretty much on a daily basis but, judging from many positive past experiences, it is mainly those which carry the seal of approval of the independent Finnish label Svart Records which tend to arouse my instant curiosity.

Their latest release is “Dead Rising” – the debut full length album of an old-school but quite daring Doom Metal quintet, entitled Church Of Void.

Finnish bands always have a unique approach to performing Doom Metal, and Church Of Void are no exception.

Though their appreciation of Pentagram and Saint Vitus is clearly audible throughout this eight track release, these five lads infuse their massive riffs with Amorphis-influenced vocal melodies, atmospheric/dramatic interludes a la Reverend Bizarre and explosive up-tempo punk-like breaks.

The impression created is both that of something fresh and amazing, yet familiar – something that most young bands should be aiming towards with their inaugural releases.

“Tristesse”, the opening track of the album, may not be the most impressive of compositions, but it perfectly showcases the band’s melodic prowess and rhythmical dexterity by perfectly combining a heavy Doom guitar sound with attitude-laden Punk riffs.

Those fans of Pentagram and general weirdness will enjoy the Reverend Bizarre style vocals on “Son Of A Witch” and the relentless groove of “Winter Is Coming”, whereas the emotionally charged orchestrations and Amorphis-sounding vocals in “Dead Rising” are among the highlights of the album.

Equally mournful, but much heavier in effect, “Owls Are Listening” is another impressive offering, while the follow up “The Magician” operates along more established Doom Metal lines.

If there was an award for the most dramatic and emotionally charged composition of the album, the six minute “Entity Of Kalypso” would have won it hands down, while closing eight minute track “Little Child Lost” provides further proof of how well Doom and Punk elements can exist in the same composition when performed by musicians with massive capabilities.

What makes “Dead Rising” such an impressive release is its ability to arouse and surprise at each new listen when, in principle, it is one of the most straightforward collections of songs on offer.

With its focus mainly on emotion and feel, rather than technique, Church Of Void will inevitably attract the interest of fans of traditional Doom, while the most curious of you will find many of reasons to join this very entertaining musical party.

What more could one ask of any debut full-length album?

John Stefanis

Rating: **** (4.0/5.0)

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Next session: Sunday 1 December

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 20 October 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 22 October 2024.

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”

Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.

More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 28 October 2024

THE RASMUS Rest In Pieces (Better Noise Music)
THE PLAGUE What Else Can I Do (FiXT)
STAR CIRCUS Turn The Tide (indie)
DEFENCES Breathe It In (Long Branch Records)

Featured Albums w/c 28 October 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)