When I saw this PAGAN ALTAR album come into my inbox, I was rather happy, as it had been some time since I did do a review on a Doom Metal album. These English blokes from Brockley in London have been active from 1978 until 1986, and from 2004 until now. So, I was expecting one of those typical English very slow, extremely downbeat kind of band that will push you down into a rather unescapable depression. That happiness turned into a big surprise when I started playing their latest record “Never Quite Dead”, as opener “Saints And Sinners” has more similarities with early eighties WHITESNAKE than a band like CATHEDRAL.

Thankfully the influences and sounds of the latter start to shine through a little bit more when “Never Quite Dead” really takes off. But be warned, what PAGAN ALTAR is playing might be classed as Doom Metal, but I would have to add the extra word ‘Light’ behind that description. This is a lot lighter in feel and atmosphere than a band like WITCHFINDER GENERAL, but has a bit more of an early HOLOCAUST vibe, although they are even lighter, or should I say faster, than those Scots ever were. Don’t get me wrong, the Doom Metal is there, but PAGAN ALTAR has given it a poppy undertone.

I have to say that although that combination sounds weird, the way PAGAN ALTAR has approached it on “Never Quite Dead” works rather well. Most of that is down to the sound of singer Brendan Radigan. His higher pitched voice with a slight nasal sound works wonders for how the band make their music. On “Madame M'Rachel” you would be excused if you thought that you were listening to a PINK FLOYD song, whilst part two “Madame M'Rachel's Grave” is just about the heaviest song on the album. This is pure Metal; from start to finish. And that kind of variety in the instrumental approach as well as the vocals makes “Never Quite Dead” work a treat.

I’m not going to class “Never Quite Dead” as a superb album, but a s a very entertaining one. The songs vary from decent to good, the sound is very recognisable and the musicianship is quite clear and obvious. What the album lacks for me is the element of suspense, danger and excitement. Those are usually the ingredients that make a real Doom Metal album to a very good one. So now you understand why my ratings are what they are. If you don’t agree with me, that’s your prerogative. Everybody is allowed to have their own opinion.