WALK THROUGH FIRE is a Swedish doom/sludge band that formed in 2007. Their latest release, “Till Aska,” is their fifth full-length album; they have also released a live album. “Till Aska,” is an absolutely fantastic album. I should probably save that proclamation for the review’s end, after I have explained why I would say that. Regardless of the order, this is a beastly piece of music that brings out the best elements of doom and sludge. It’s low, slow, heavy, and atmospheric. Oh and there is an organ. What more could I possibly ask for? The title track opens the album with clean tones that are spaced apart for maximum effect. As each tone continues to be clean for some time, it is a shock to the system when, at the 1:23 mark, the bass and guitars drop their heavy tone like a rock. However, it isn’t heavy handed or sudden but instead a very natural segue to the dirge that follows.

I love how monstrous and claustrophobic the music feels yet it’s also meticulous and expansive. Around the 7:30 mark, the drums single the drop of the blackened death vocals, a brief foreshadowing of death just before it lands. “Fall i glömska,” unfurls itself like a bright sky turning black as the clouds wash over and bring with them the storm of a century. At this point, it is obvious this isn’t the type of music a person will play while going 85 down a highway on a bright sunny, breezy day in July. I mean, I probably would but I’m a total freak for this type of music. This song expertly knows where to place each hit of the drum, each riff that is like a weight blanket, each throb of the bass. It takes its time, building this world that has much to offer. Around the six minute mark, a vicious vocal performance changes the song from “heavy as a planetoid” to “still heavy as a planetoid but also it will eat you.”

“Genom sår,” almost broke my headphones because the bass IS that damn intense. Being “only” seven and a half minutes long, this song is the shortest of the five and also the most direct. It is more riff based and vocal oriented so this might be the best song to dive into for someone unsure of what the album is all about. It still has all the atmosphere and subtleties of the other tracks, it’s just quicker to get there. “Självförintelse,” also feels more direct but it’s definitely sprawling at the same time. The drums compliment the song structure nicely and, of course, the bass is right there for the heavy low end. But a song like this is all heavy low end; listening to this with a good pair of headphones might just change you. This song is a pretty good representation of the album as a whole as it nails down a true melding of doom and sludge. It’s abrasive yet funereal.

The final song, “Rekviem,” is a a slow burn instrumental. In the beginning clean tones and bass build up the atmosphere. This is basically one long funeral procession and a perfect way to end the album. The organ in particularly stands out but, then again, its use in the album is just as important as the more conventional instruments. This album certainly isn’t for anyone. If you’re not into extreme, long form doom/sludge, then I doubt this will change your mind. It isn’t an album where you are going to find these standout moments that will call for the rewind button to play over and over. It’s better than that, the depth and layered substance is something that works best from start to finish, or at least a song or two at once. This isn’t an album about picking and choosing what works best: everything comes together for an incredible experience. I don’t see myself putting down “Till Aska” anytime soon.