If a metal band is from Portugal, then they are more than likely going to be pretty damn good. Doom metal band DAWNRIDER is another notch on Portugal's metal belt because "The Fourth Dawn" is a damn solid doom album. DAWNRIDER formed in 2004 and play a more traditional/epic style of doom, obviously influenced by the old school doom scene. However the album's clear production gives them a much more modern music. Even though this is their fourth full length album, in addition to having three splits, and EP and a live release, this is my first experience with their music.

The album is very much riff based, which is to be expected because of the style. The drums and bass are a solid rhythm section and give weight to offset the crisp production values. Bassist Filipe handles vocals duties as well–he is serviceable but his voice won't blow anyone away. With that being said, no one really listens to this style of doom for the vocals. What do we want? Sweet sweet riffs...and this album has plenty of them.

The album begins with the underwhelming intro "A Farewell To Hope" but once "Order Of Dawn" begins, the album begins a doomed ride that rocks hard all the way to the end. The opening riffs to "Order Of Dawn" have that classic doom feel: thick, heavy and bluesy. The melodies and solos from the guitars also have a blues feel to them at times and compliment the song well. Hugo definitely knows his style and where to go with it. On top of all that, the chorus is catchy and the drums accent it in all the right places. Around the five minute mark, an epic solo ends and smoothly gives way to a jam session of riffs upon riffs.

"Unwanted Sorrows" is a slow slow track, focusing on the dark and sorrowful side of the band. Filipe sings along side the riffs, making for a song with a big sound and excellent pacing  despite the speed or lack of rather. Diogo's keyboards are a nice touch, especially when they use the old school approach of organ. "The Final Call" shows the ominous side of the band—the bass and guitar create a sinister mix. Around the halfway mark, the song speeds up to a galloping pace and the entire band uses this newfound energy to hurtle the song through and all the way back around to a dirge that ends the song as desperate as it began.

The final song, "Lord," is my favorite on the album.  That opening riff is well done and catchy—when the song begins, it is just the guitar but then the whole band join and the power is amplified to the tenth degree.   Filipe gives his best vocal performance on this song too but his bass truly dominates.   The riffs twists and turn but keep their hard edge and heft but the drums help them out with a constant barrage of support from J.P. All in all, "The Fourth Dawn" is a fine example of a modern band playing a more traditional style of doom without it sounding old and dated.