Huge guitars and heavy grooves abound on "Symmetry In Black," the tenth full-length album from New Orleans Doom Metal stalwarts CROWBAR. A somewhat subdued follow-up to 2011's "Sever The Wicked Hand," the record nevertheless delivers the kind of crushing, brooding music fans of the band have come to expect.

The backbone of the album is the incessant riffing of guitarists Kirk Windstein and Matt Brunson. Opener "Walk With Knowledge Wisely" is a great mix of savageness and melody, and the guitar parts are just killer. Winsdstein's bellowing vocals somewhat remind me of those of Chuck Billy on Testament's "The Gathering," very effectively commanding the listener's attention on each track and compliment the album's massive guitars perfectly. The production is very good, though the vocals at times overpower the guitars in the mix. The album's lyrics are well written, intelligent and thought-provoking, especially on such memorable songs as the cautionary "The Taste Of Dying," the doomy "Symmetry In White," and the vicious "Shaman Of Belief." Where fellow NOLA Sludge merchants EYEHATEGOD focus on a more unhinged, violent sound, CROWBAR's songs here are more pensive, with a bigger emphasis on melody, as on the sprawling epic "Reflection Of Deceit," while maintaining a similar level of overall heaviness.

"Ageless Decay" is one of multiple instances highlighting the band's versatility, alternating between a slow, sludgy pace and aggressive, mid-tempo thrashing expertly. "Amaranthine," an emotional acoustic piece, is another strong offering. "The Foreboding", a slow, churning number, is one of the darkest songs on the album. "Symbolic Suicide", a tribute to the late Peter Steele, is another standout, with one of Windstein's most expressive vocal performances and some seriously strong grooves.

There is a good deal good deal to like about "Symmetry In Black". It's a dark, moody record that slots in very well alongside the CROWBAR's best works; the musicianship is excellent, the lyrics are strong, and the album has more than its share of memorable moments. Doom/Sludge Metal enthusiasts, as well as CROWBAR fans, will not be disappointed.