Gammagelu

Negative Wall

"Gammagelu" by NEGATIVE WALL is a compelling, mystifying landmark for the Doom Metal newcomers. The […]
By Anonymous
February 25, 2019
Negative Wall - Gammagelu album cover

"Gammagelu" by NEGATIVE WALL is a compelling, mystifying landmark for the Doom Metal newcomers. The band hails from Atlanta, Georgia where they have only been active since last year, and their lyrical content focuses mainly on science fiction.

Tommy Stewart wails into the darkness in a loud, glorious echo beginning with "Imperii Exsules (Galactic Viatores)", which is about spirits, the rest of eternity, and the mighty nature of earth. Don Cole turns simple guitar riffs into fuzzy, distinctive roars that at some points overpower the vocals. In the midst of the noise arises a transcendent, acoustic transition straight from the ashes. It gives the song a very nostalgic vibe amongst the numerous instrumental characteristics that flow seamlessly into the second track, "Hybrid Genus Serpentis."

With a similar acoustic hum, the track calls effortlessly into the distance, forming an eerie and repetitive structure that glides into blooming drum beat. The vocal track is a bit different, sounding as if the vocalist was placed under water. This effect significantly pushes the band's sound into a highly psychedelic, experimental Doom Metal territory.

"Mater Saeva Kp22" introduces new instruments with a tribal feel to them, and continues with the tradition of a supposedly calm interlude exploding into a pool of blurry vocals, distorted guitars, and pondering percussion. Lastly, "Torquemada 71" pays homage to Doom lords ELECTRIC WIZARD. The cover is nicely done, with the significant difference being the nature of the vocals. However, it doesn't take away from the song as a whole. Given the aquatic artwork, earthly themed vibe and overly enforced distortion, one cover song is fittingly chosen to emphasize the band's message - shouting "I am the inquisition" to remind the listener that their Doom Metal is just as heavy and extreme without being completely devoted to dark magic.

The overall feel of this album is psychedelic, completely fresh, fused with organs and bells, and clearly influenced by its primary predecessor, ELECTRIC WIZARD. It includes some excessively long and dreamlike tracks executed in a massively atmospheric way. Fans of Doom Metal, Stoner Metal and Psychedelic Metal are in for a treat.

8 / 10

Excellent

Songwriting

8

Musicianship

9

Memorability

8

Production

8
When clicked, this video is loaded from YouTube servers. See our privacy policy for details.
"Gammagelu" Track-listing:
  1. Imperii Exsules (Galactic Viatores)
  2. Hybrid Genus Serpentis
  3. Mater Saeva Kp22
  4. Torquemada 71
Negative Wall Lineup:

Tommy Stewart - Vocals/Bass/Organs
Dennis Reid - Percussion/Keyboards
Don Cole - Guitars

linkcrossmenucross-circle linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram