On the precipice of their third decade, HOODEN MENACE stand not as a bridge but the pillar between two distinct realms of underground metal. The band’s seventh album is still rooted in cultish obsession with classic horrors. With “Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration,” these stewards of death-doom remain far from stuck in their ways. The album hammers home the ‘80s heavy metal influence that the band rung in on “The Tritonus Bell.” As if from a trance, drums snap into a gallop amidst blistering leads drip with neon. MicroPitching and other effects aren’t the only tricks pulled out from under the band’s cloak, either…”

The album has seven songs, and “Twilight Passages” is first; a short instrumental opener, segueing into “Pale Masquerade.” It has a firm, hardened riff, with harsh, throaty vocals. The riff is simple, but lead harmonies help to break things up a bit. Loosely, I would call this an amalgam of Thrash and Death Metal with some Progressive leanings. “Portrait Without a Face” bears more in common with the Melodic Death Metal genre, especially considering the dual guitar harmonies. The slow pace of the song helps the harder elements to sink deeper as well. “Daughters of Lingering Pain” is another firm and slower offering that ushers in elements of Doom into the album. Crushing, somber tones serve as a reminder of what you may have in your life…not much. The thumping bass notes also echo this sentiment.

“Lugubrious Dance” is more like a dance of the dead, rather than a dance of depression, although both elements are present in the song. It’s hard to say that one is stronger than the other either, they both live together in harmony. “Save a Prayer” is a cover of the infamous 80’s song by DURAN DURAN, and the band managed to capture the spirit of the song in their own unique way. “Into Haunted Oblivion” closes the album. It begins with some phaser effects in the guitars before the thrashy assault is launched. Doomy elements come in soon after, as well as some power and might in the riffs. The lead guitar harmonies remind me of the great IRON MAIDEN.

Overall, this was an excellent album, and it blended a few different subgenres of Metal together into a final product that I have to say was uncommon to listen to. That is what made the listen to intriguing for me. Thrashy at times, doomy at others, and even touches of Melodeath, these guys are on their A game on “Lachrymose Monuments of Obscuration.”