End of year album releases have a way of being overlooked as the onslaught of new year materials grab everyone's attention. Many of those late releases, however, deserve more attention. Chilean doom metalers, KING HEAVY, issued a unique album right at the close of 2025 entitled "Atlantic Reborn." As their press statement declares: It is a tribute and a triumph.

In 2022, the band lost their long-time vocalist, Luce. The first three tracks of "Atlantic Reborn" are previously unreleased recordings featuring Luce, serving as a fitting tribute to their late band member. The album also includes the first rehearsal version of "The Origin of the Witch Hunts," which weighs in a good 90 seconds more than the final cut that was included on their 2014 EP, "Horror Absoluto." The balance of the album is a selection of three classic tracks, one each from their earlier albums. In its entirety "Atlantic Reborn" is a full retrospect of the band's history . . . and a heavy and diverse history it has been.

Throughout the band's trajectory, they have never strayed from their doom roots, delving into horror inspired lore, both historical and bespoke. On this album are tracks that invoke terrors from the deep, mythic gargoyles, hellish abominations, the inquisition and their prey, and even the infamous Nero. And, of course, it's all to the tunage of some seriously downtuned riffage.

Favorite tracks for me include "Atlantic Slayer Reborn" which carries heavy thrash overtones; "La Gargola" which is as crushing as the stone fiends it represents; and the "Origins of the Witch Hunts" simply because it is so damned raw. It's also fun to a side-by-side comparison to the version that was eventually recorded for the band's debut.

For existing KING HEAVY fans, "Atlantic Reborn" provides a unique perspective into the band's past with rare cuts; for new fans it offers a snapshot from each album. In total, it points to a future which is as heavy as it is dark and sludgy, a future of doom reborn.