The Devil and His Wicked Ways

Roots of the Old Oak

From their EPK, "while "The Devil and His Wicked Ways" is not strictly a concept […]
Roots of the Old Oak - The Devil and His Wicked Ways album cover

From their EPK, "while "The Devil and His Wicked Ways" is not strictly a concept album, the structure and track listing follow a pre-planned narrative. Proud and defiant, they stand their ground, the forests, and valleys their battleground, the ancient ones standing tall behind them. Through the album, we honor their bravery and sacrifice and announce that the Old Gods aren't dead, nor have they returned. On the contrary, we're saying they never left."

The album has eight songs. "I Defy Thee" is the first. The opening tones feature harsh gutturals and a riff that is slow and fuzzy. It sounds like the old Gods are conversing in the ancient tongue. "Cheating the Hangman" has a little more pep to it, although considering this is Doom Metal, all bets are off. The song moves through a simple riff and some deep gutturals. "Forest Dweller" is as cavernous as the title suggests. Thick, meaty bass notes combine with another slow-moving riff, drums, and vocals. You almost must wake him up and get some coffee into him to get him going. He growls to consciousness like a waking giant.

"A Ballad of Two Ravens" is a short offering, consisting of clean guitars and a solemn sound. The raven has long since been associated with magic, mystery, and even death. Yet, it is also quite intelligent, and many of its mysteries are unknown. The title track is another slow grind of doomy lyrics and impossibly slow-moving music. Piano tones give it a sober edge, while keyboards give it a psychedelic edge. "Cosmic Dark Age" has a faster cadence...well, fast for Doom Metal that is. Angry tones rear their head here, though in the scheme of things, melancholy still dominates the landscape. "Allfather (A Wanderers Tale)" is a lengthy offering that moves so slowly it barely registers with a heartbeat. There are no vocals here, and the song travels through a black hole, with space and time suspended.

"Take the Throne" closes the album. Is this defiance talking? This song has a mesmerizing quality to it, and if you are not careful, you can get sucked up in its gravitational pull. Overall, this was an enjoyable album to listen to. I have always maintained that Doom Metal was better with guttural vocals than cleans. Although the scope of the music is fairly simple, it's also effective. You will feel like you need a shower when you are done listening to it, for its filth runs deep and wide.

7 / 10

Good

Songwriting

7

Musicianship

6

Memorability

7

Production

8
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"The Devil and His Wicked Ways" Track-listing:

1. I Defy Thee
2. Cheating the Hangman
3. Forest Dweller
4. A Ballad of Two Ravens
5. The Devil and His Wicked Ways
6. Cosmic Dark Age
7. Allfather (A Wanderers Tale)
8. Take the Throne

Roots of the Old Oak Lineup:

Mike Rowland - Bass
Stuart R Brogan - Drums, Vocals
Pete Rowland - Guitars, Vocals

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