Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: COUNT RAVEN; signed via the mighty Metal Blade Records, hailing from Swedish grounds - performing Doom Metal, on their 4th reissued album entitled: "Messiah of Confusion" (released June 15th, 2018).

Since formation in 1987-1989 (as STORMWARNING); 1989-1999 and 2003 respectively, the quintet in question have 5 albums in their entire discography so far. I am introduced to their 4th reissued album entitled: "Messiah of Confusion"; 11 tracks ranging at around 01:00:04, the quartet arrange an intricately designed formula of heavy-hitting Doom Metal developments. Starting off with "Prediction"; the band incorparate a concrete slab of hardened harmonies and a granidose manifestation of battering, bouncy hymns of catchy and hammering distinctions. Most notable to start with is the vocalist Dan Fondelius who almost sounds like Ozzy Osbourne in his own diverse way, dynamically demonstrating low to high-pitched pipes that mimic the BLACK SABBATH frontman almost perfectly.

Consisting of powerhouse bassist Samuel Cornelsen, who pummels his axe with an audible aesthetic of organic substances and gritty complexity. Songs like "Shadow Box" & "The Loneliest One" distributes dextrous efficiency from guitarist Dan Fondelius, conveying in relentlessly rhythmic melodious onslaughts which rampages like a pounding stampede of strength. "Fallen Angels" consistently establishes meticulous songwriting creativity, constructing memorable and original sound production proficiencies. "Mountain Spirit" is a 1:42 repreive of Doom Metal injections, variating with a uniquely unprecedented twist of an opening; attributed with an ambient repreive of the stony, thumpy thunder that ensues. Until more enlightening electrical entertainment comes in with the epic "The Lie of Life", showcasing more progressively technical ramifications.

Jens Bock on the pulverizing drums contrasts with excelling contributions; "P.S.I. Power" has flamboyant craftsmanship elegance, energized with adrenaline pumping orchestration equalities. The band nimbly executes each note with profuse robustness, as "Shine" shines on with exquisite distinguishes of deadly riffs and killer solos that groove with fluidly polished stability. The most excelling track that refute's my retort about BLACK SABBATH earlier, is the bonus track "Regression" – Which is basically a cover medley of the infamous song "Electric Funeral", pretty much sounding identical to the original, and then they prominently play the equally popular song "Iron Man" - as well as a portion of the titular track from "Black Sabbath" all in one track.

The track is essentially a homage to the band who created Heavy Metal - BLACK SABBATH, and it is a splendid tribute to the grandfathers of Metal – admirably commendable indeed. Moving on to "The Divided World"; I sink my teeth in to some more rapidly swift Doom Metal diligence, the band thrive with boisterous efficaciousness of effective yet savagely primitive maliciousness. Overall concluding the record with the menacing "The Viking Sea", keeping those filthy yet sludgy rhythms afloat - COUNT RAVEN certainly outdone themselves with this one. The obvious influences submerged with their own vehement creation embellished on exhileration with rambunctious expertise brilliantly provided an exciting listen, converged with the ambient yet doomy atmosphere this was a great discovery.