When it comes to Heavy Metal, Italy is more or less famous at the moment for its Death Metal scene, which has given us some really great bands like FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, HIDEOUS DIVINITY and HOUR OF PENANCE putting out some really good material over the last few years. But this country is also home to some awesome Doom and Stoner Metal acts, such as the brilliant FORGOTTEN TOMB and THE FORESHADOWING. CARONTE are one such group of many Mediterranean Miserablists who have been producing some top notch Doom Metal for the past four years, and their latest, second full length record, "Church of Shamanic Goetia", which is their fourth overall release in as many years, is no different.

The atmospheric opening to the introductory track, "Maa-Kheru's Rebirth", with its tribal drumming and haunting vocals, is a great way to start this album. It has the dark and murky atmosphere of ELECTRIC WIZARD and the music is clearly rooted in the style of classic Doom bands. "Hanblerchenapi" continues in this vein, with thick grooves, genuinely hair-raising guitar work and haunting vocals. It's absolutely fantastic. The monolithic "Wakan Tanka Riders" is classic Doom Metal with a thick, sludgy edge. The chanting towards the middle of the track adds an extra aura of menace to the overall sound of this band. This track brings to mind the likes of CATHEDRAL, at least to my ears, and is easily one of the best songs on this record. "Temple of Eagles", the longest song on this album, is another behemoth of a song, with simple, yet powerful and heavy riffs and an incredible vocal performance from Dorian Bones. "The Sulphur Shaman" is another great track that doesn't have to go overboard musically to have a lasting affect on the listener. The solo is one of the best parts of this track, and is interesting, dark and gnarly all at once. "Black Mandala", the penultimate song on the album, is just an incredibly groovy music which is brilliant. And then we come to the final track; "Left Hand Voodoo", which is incredibly heavy to say the least. It's the perfect way to top off a fantastic album, right down to the eerie piece of music that makes up the final couple of minutes of this song.

This is an absolutely monster of an album from start to finish. The music and the dark atmosphere which hang over the music will most likely stay with you long after this album has stopped playing. I definitely cannot recommend this highly enough, especially if you love bands like ELECTRIC WIZARD and REVEREND BIZARRE. If you want a fix of heavy, old school Doom, then this is the album to get it with.
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