This is the fifth full-length album in seven years from the New York and Texas band. I am really impressed by their back catalogue and being such a productive band throughout the years. They have built a cult following in the States but have remained there for most of their career. I think they could do a lot of great stuff in Europe because of the great base in Doom, Stoner and Occult Rock/Metal back there. One thing that really stands out is the lyrical themes, according to a number of websites I have seen these last few days, well, their lyrical themes revolve around the Process Church movement. Some say it's not really a religion but more of a organization with its values and beliefs. Most of their song titles are from different parts of that movement, a movement that was started in the mid-sixties.

They are a self-described Occult Rock Band. This usually refers to proto-metal, or something that predates the Heavy Metal Movement (Stoner/Doom Metal from BLACK SABBATH obviously). They are followers of bands like COVEN, DEVIL'S BLOOD, the masters of the genre in the 70's. The sound of the album is a throwback to that time period. The production is minimalist and I had to adjust my volume setting on my MP3 player unfortunately to get a good grasp on the album. The vocalist is sometimes driven to the background of the songs and it sounds like mumbling on some of the songs. Obviously they wanted it to sound like the 70's but this really bothered me but I felt with better production, the album would have flowed better.

I like the fact that we have a female singer, something we don't have much in Stoner/Doom/Occult Bands. You have WINDHAND that really is the best band out there in my own opinion. It's a real departure from all the bands in the genres (and sub-genres). She has a nice voice even though sometimes we don't hear her loud enough on the album. The songs are very long and they seem to drag out a bit, I know they wanted to have long songs like their genre ancestors but I felt it was way too much. The album is way too long for its own good even if its over 45 minutes. I do love the feel of the album, its eeriness and use of the full range of instruments to their disposal. I felt it was like a mix between ANCIENT VVISDOM and BLOOD CEREMONY, not as good but you get the drift. The cover is outstanding, its like straight from Dante's Inferno or Count Grishnak, its really freakin' awesome! Strong songwriting, not too memorable production but solid stuff from this obscure band!