CHALICE OF DOOM are back with their second studio effort "Into Hypnagogia",  wrapped in a gorgeous artwork and replete with great material displaying  great creativity and musicianship that proves how underrated Arab bands are. Obviously influenced by the pioneering Doom Metal bands, The Jordanian Doom / Death Metallers create an appealing sound to the dyed-in-the-wool fans of the genre while still keeping their own touch and identity which clearly stems from being Middle-Easterners.

The album is very rich and multilayered, adorned with a myriad of elements. It starts with an epic intro "Lucid Incubus" paving the way to the bittersweet gloominess of the rest of the tracks. In "Death Gown", "Dyers Of Dusk" and "Profound" we can hear those mournful guitars complimented with mellow, melodious keyboards. Fares Swedan's growling contrasts the clean vocals of Azmo "Ammar Jaber" Lozmodial and the guest vocalist Giampaul Andrianopoulos. "Shaheed" is the most oriental song, concept-wise, bringing the grim atmosphere of all that's going on in the Arab World lately and paying tribute to its Martyrs. It's also somewhat soundscape. "Moonflower" is an intriguing keyboards interlude performed by Giampaul. "Against The Winds" features two additional singers: Christina Kroustali and Marius Strand whose soaring voices added depth and beauty the melancholy of the piece. Christina reappears in the softer track "The Coin Fountain" along with Giampaul Andrianopoulos. "Bridesmaid Of The Woods" has an earthy vibe especially with the additional flute, while "Shame, Written In Blood" is more solemn and powerful. The outro "Death Apnea" wraps up perfectly.

To sum it up, CHALICE OF DOOM now sounds more promising than ever, and this album will not disappoint you.