Review by JD on March 6, 2012.

Heaviness is an inherent trait in metal and some bands naturally have it in spades. Through its history, metal have strived to become heavier and more nasty as well, to push the boundaries of musicianship to the breaking point without losing anything from where it had developed from. The UK has given us many heavy bands, originators Black Sabbath, the heavy lads Motorhead and the UK Doom gods Cathedral. Another name might get on that list: Doom Metallers Gallow God.

Gallow God can be summed up very simply and effectively: Very Heavy Doom Metal with intense melody. It is this strong attention to the melody while still being some of the heaviest Doom around that makes the statement. No amount of hype or putting on a spin by some overly paid A&R person could make this type of a declaration and be able to back it up with every word.

Slow and ominous with the strength of melody, each of the four songs on this EP seems to shape into a story that is heavy and melancholy and yet seems to capture the imagination and sends the listener into the realm that is made. I cannot think of too many bands that could pull this all off while being so heavy. Some bands do come to mind, but Gallow God seems to be the one I enjoy.

The UK have been one of metals most prolific band producers and once again they have done just that with greatness attached. If you like Doom played in the traditional way, but played very heavy, you just got the band that will deliver it. They deliver what you need, but yet you get a whole lot more in the process.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 9
Atmosphere: 9
Production: 9
Originality: 9
Overall: 9

Rating: 9 out of 10

Review by Allan on May 28, 2002.

After a more blistering EP entitled “Jet Black Art”, The Great Deceiver is back with a more mature and fuller sound. Their creative edge mixed together with all of their abilities makes it a great listen.

It’s admirable that with the lack of unique and interesting bands popping up, that The Great Deceiver can actually pull it off. First off, they have their influences that you can pick out, such as hardcore, rock, and Swedish metal, but what they don’t do is sound like they are those bands. Second, it doesn’t sound like the band strived to be different. The Great Deceiver sounds sincere and natural, not contrived or derivative. They create a sound that even if taken over by another band, would still sound distinctive. It’s not often that a band can fit many different aspects that are important, instead of just one or two.

So what exactly do they sound like? Well, it’s a bit more difficult to answer than your typical Gothenburg band. With the more obvious influences of hardcore and Swedish death, there are more subtle upbringings such as Velvet Underground. The music is often very chaotic. Tomas Lindberg’s vocals sound a bit different than his days with At The Gates, or more recently The Crown. The use of electronics and keyboards does a lot for the band in terms of sound. It often brings out a more psychedelic atmosphere. The transition between the heavier parts and the softer sounds is nearly seamless. It’s great that the band has more of a melodic flare than they used to have. The use of screams and the not so friendly clean voice are complimenting towards each other, especially with the continually transitioning music. In the end though, the sound of the band is more of something to be heard, so that you can pick up more of the small details.

My main problem with “A Venom Well Designed” would be that after a getting halfway into the album you begin to feel like you get what they’re doing, and that the rest of the journey isn’t as important as it was when you began. The ideas are still there, but nothing to amazing. The material is still just as excellent as when it began, though.

Bottom Line: It’s nice to hear something new and refreshing without being so out of it that it doesn’t come together. If you’re looking for something new then this is a great place to look. Fans of “Jet Black Art” should surely get this, and people who weren’t that fond of “Jet Black Art” should give the band a new try.

Categorical Rating Breakdown

Musicianship: 7
Atmosphere: 6
Production: 7
Originality: 9
Overall: 6

Rating: 7 out of 10