In their own words, DI'AUL combines '70s rock songwriting with 90's metal groove. And that's as accurate a description as you're going to get. The resultant sound is both unique and impressive. If you need proof, check out the band's latest release, "Abracamacabra," on MooDDoom Records. Seven tracks spanning 44 minutes of pure sludgy, existential truth so down-tuned it'll hurt your teeth.

DI'AUL formed about 22 years ago in Milan, Italy. Counting this latest album, they now have two EPs and three LPs under their belt. Remarkably, their lineup has remained unchanged during this whole time, which gives them a consistency and ease that flows right on through from mixing panels to the vinyl grooves to your cerebral cortex like some kind of supernatural space worm.

Thematically, "Abracamacabra" is, again in the band's words: "seven stories, seven characters, one mother: the Universe. 'Abracamacabra' is the sublimation of failure and loss. In a world where all the kings are jesters, the mind seeks the wrong side of reason and everything we build then collapse." These are some seriously well-crafted tracks masterfully calibrating dark musical compositions with pensive, moody lyrics. Some tracks are heavy-booted assaults-"Thou Crawl," "La Notte di Valpurga" (trans: Walpurgis Night); some are bluesy explorations-"Abracamacabra," "Time of No Return"; some are all of the above-"This Quiet," "The Loser's River." Consistent through them are lyrics that are so real they can stop you in your tracks. Take the last couplet from "Abracamacabra." After spinning a tale of swampy doom, MoMo sums up and intones: "Born Grow Die / Pray Hope Just cry."

My go to tracks are "Time of No Return" (the final track) for its steady build from introspective blues to cathartic Doom back down to a soothing but slightly eerie acoustic outro and "Thou Crawl" (the opening track) for its cellar/analog intro which fleshes out into full grown Frankenstein of 90's groove, modern Doom, and dark, droll lyrics:

"Cascade of unknown bodies - crawl
Seasons chase each other - beaus
Your present destroys my past - shame
I've stolen five minutes from you today"

Final items. Love the cover with its grayscale artistry that really makes you look plus the one muted red orb that centers your attention but for what reason, who knows. And the production work is quite nice. The lows will give your woofer and subwoofers the workout they deserve but somehow without oversaturating the mix. Altogether, "Abracamacabra" is a genuine Doom artifact that every Doom fan should check out if not own.