FAMYNE was founded in 2014 in the UK. Following the release of an EP and their self-titled debut of the same name, they now return with their sophomore effort here titled "II: The Ground Below." The album contains eight tracks. "Defeated" is the first cut. It begins with a very heavy and aggressive lumbering riff, as the ground shakes beneath each note. The vocals normally go one way or the other...in this case they are clean and melancholy, reminding me of THE DOORS in their delivery. They are sultry and sexy.

"Solid Earth" begins with a fuzzy guitar riff and despondent tones. As it moves along, the desperate tones thicken, and are follow by an eerie guitar solo rich with effects. "Gone" opens with clean guitars and some solemn, ominous tones. It's like you are strolling through the park while a vicious storm is whipping up behind you, unseen. Vocal harmonies pick up as do some layers in the music, as the storm swells. By the end of the song, you are sprinting to your car as the skies open. "A Submarine" is the longest on the album, beginning with smooth and easy tones. Is this a dream? I like the ethereal quality to this song...it's almost as if you are being led down to hell by Satan disguised as a friend, smiling the entire way.

"Babylon" opens with slow bass guitar notes. Light drums and guitars enter. Then, the monstrous riff drops. The vocals carry just a bit of hope with them, but your world is senseless and it is hard to know whether you are coming or going. "Once More" begins with more slow, clean guitars, and another massive riff. From there, the aggressive tones lessen just a bit and the song features more poignant qualities, especially in the vocals. The guitar solo will slay you with its oozing despondence. "The Ai" comes out of the gates with a gargantuan riff and more confidence than a supermodel. Swinging with spirit and tenacity, its blues based riffs are one of the better songs on the album.

"For My Sins" closes the album. Beginning with tense bass guitar notes and vocals, it segues into more of a psychedelic sound, as if you are just beginning to trip from those mushrooms you ate. The resolve becomes stronger, and the guitar solo is fantastic. Overall, this was a very strong Doom Metal album that stuck to the roots of the genre, but was not afraid to explore a bit either. The vocalist Tom sings with a lot of self-assurance, but doesn't come off as cocky, and the ten songs offer some variance within the strict borders of the genre. This was one of the better Doom Metal albums I have heard this year.