There are forms of music that are too near of the modern arts conceptions: the harder they are to deal with, the more rich of meanings they are as well. And to deal with some Doom Metal subgenres isn't as easy as many can think, because the bitterness of the music makes it extremely difficult to be assimilated by those who are used to more conventional forms of Metal. And the North American trio PURIFICATION that hails from Portland (Oregon) shows it clearly on "The Exterminating Angel", their latest release.

Musically, in the middle of rough and nasty ambiences of their classical Doom Metal approach (influenced by names as TROUBLE, SAINT VITUS and, of course, BLACK SABBATH due some noir moments, as can be heard on the beginning of "On Earth as It Is"), there are very good melodies that makes things easier to be assimilated (as can be heard on some parts of "Unholy Resurrection") with some experimental/psychedelic moments. But the sadness and funereal ambiences of the genre are here as well (as a heavy remembrance that MY DYING BRIDE has a cataclysmic influence on the genre as well), so the fans of the genre will have nothing to complain about. In reality, this is a very good release. Marshall William Purify did the mixing and sound engineering (which process he shares with Dr. Robert Comitz), leaving the mastering to the hands of Stephen Cline. All to create that oppressive and crude sonority that is essential to a band that walks between Doom Metal and Funeral Doom Metal. But even sounding harsh, it can be understood clearly.

Six long songs are presented to the fans, but the more indicated songs for a first time on their work are "Unholy Resurrection" (a song full of many contrasts of ambiences and very good melodies, with good guitars and vocals), "On Earth as It Is" (a deeper and melodic song with charming and sinister melodies, with very good clean chords and keyboards), "The Exterminating Angel (Part I and II)" (very good catchy parts with dynamic rhythms, what means that bass guitar and drums are really great on this one), and "Dreamtiger". But as said above, all the songs are really very good, and can satisfy many Metal fans that are intellectuals into the genre as my personal Brazilian friends Bruno Rocha (editor-in-chief of Diálogos do Escriba and The Atmosphere blogs) and Fábio Miloch (writer of The Old Coffin Spirit Zine/Portal and Metal Na Lata), the all-knowing men of Doom Metal.

For now, PURIFICATION really did a great work on "The Extermination Angel", so to us, mere mortals, is left the opportunity to listen and enjoy.