ALTAR OF BETELGEUZE is a death/doom band from Finland who formed in 2010. Their latest album, “Echoes” is their third full-length album, in addition to having an EP. The band’s sound is a unique blend of death metal and stoner doom. Their chosen path of musical fortitude results in a sound that is dense, heavy, and very intense but also smooth flowing and subtle in ways. What I mean by that is, their music isn’t overly aggressive but still packs the same punch as the darkest of death metal. It has been seven years since their previous full-length album but it has definitely been worth the wait. I assume the band gets its name from Betelgeuse, the second brightest star in the Orion constellation. The name is Arabic in origin and means something along the lines of ‘giant’ or ‘the giant’s shoulder.’

Indeed, this album is an absolute towering giant. There is incredible weight in every note, every second of this album. The band uses every available moment to fill up the spaces with a crushing riff, death growls, expressive clean vocals, or a rhythmic punch to the gut. This is a very full sounding album—listen with a decent pair of headphones and it will fill your head up. The production and mix goes a long way in helping give the album its monolithic sound. For the style, it sounds absolutely near perfect. The riffs have such a crushing tone to them yet keeps the stoner vibe. Despite their sweltering presence, the bass doesn’t get trapped underneath them and presents its own story to tell. Aleksi's drums are bright and crisp, walking the line between stoner grooves and more intense displays.

The album begins with “On The Verge,” a massive track of epic proportions. The guitars and bass build up intertwined together with the strong drumming resting it all on its formidable foundation. The stoner grooves are catchy as hell and WILL induce a slow headbang, cascading down the entire body. I just love doom with long intros and this one spends over two minutes building up to the climax of those wonderful death growls. I love it…this band brings in slow jams and I am there for it all the way. Matias growls are deep and powerful, a rumble that commands instant respect. His guitar/bass and Juho’s own playing set the stage for a type of stoner doom that few can match. Their melodic portions, such as around the 3:47 mark during “On The Verge,” are effortlessly blended into the tapestry.

“Embrace The Flames,” is an instant banger, the drums hitting the right notes at the right time. The bass goes deep, pulling up the very earth to throw into the riffs. The groove on this song is amongst the best on the album, it’s subtle in its intensity and just doesn't quit, leading the music straight into Matias clean vocals, which are emotional and just as effective as his growls. Stoner doom isn’t always known for amazing vocal performances but Matias sounds great no matter which style he uses. The hazy journey of “Salvation,” works in deathly fuzz on what is easily the most approachable song on the album. The vocal cadence is catchy, the riffs alternating between a brutal crunch and crushing grooves. The solo is great, beginning with a low toned melody that compliments the riffs that are backing it up even while bringing in its own groove.

The final song “Fading Light,” is one of my favorites on the album, the opening had me nearly falling out of my computer seat because I just had to do a full body dry heave with the death stoner jams. The opening death growls are amazing, adding a new dimension of heavy to the proceedings. ALTAR OF BETELGEUZE’s have created a monster of a doom metal album. It doesn’t matter if you like extreme doom or a more laid back approach---this is an album that bridges the gaps and will appeal to all kinds of people with different tastes. It is a grand achievement that has something for everyone.