Review by Vladimir on November 1, 2023.

In the Serbian metal scene, I don’t think that there have been that many releases that really managed to surprise me, although I will admit that some of them have been successful in satisfying my appetite. However, today will be a very interesting release, coming from a band that has recently emerged from the murky depths of Belgrade. In this review, I will be focusing on a release from the Serbian doom/stoner/sludge metal band Smokecastle, and the topic will be their debut EP Stardust, self-released on October 17th. 

The EP begins with a very dark, atmospheric and moody track 'Konx Om Pax' which has some heavy and sludgy guitar riffs from start to finish, while ending with the addition of sound effects. Although it is a very short track which is less than 4 minutes long, it sets up the overall atmosphere of this EP. The following track 'Æon Of Horus' is where the harsh guttural vocals finally come to play, backed up by the wall crushing guitar riff in the verse, creating a much more intimidating and suspenseful mood which is taken even further with the eleven-minute track 'Nuit' and the closing track 'Stardust'. With its total length of 29 minutes, this EP oozes with darkness and death in its songwriting, all the way down to the riffs and the arrangements, and even the entire band performance. Something which I kept telling myself is that this EP feels as if it was made by a bunch of crazed cultists who’ve been worshipping the Elder Gods in their free time. Even one of the biggest highlights on this EP are definitely the riffs, what I personally found to be an even better treat is the overall atmosphere of each song, especially since every one of them conveys a different kind of scenario. The general atmosphere could be described as something between incredibly stellar and highly ominous, depending on the song itself since they all have various emotions. The sound production of this EP is also well done, providing a solid but still sludgy tone of the guitars, heavily distorted bass guitars and the cave reverb on the vocals. 

In my opinion, Stardust is a very good EP and it certainly promises that an upcoming band such as Smokecastle will definitely take their magic even further for their next release. This was so unexpected but it turned out to be a pleasant welcome for me who was not even hoping that a local doom metal band would come out with something that is both good and incredibly dark as well. If you are perhaps a fan of sludgy stoner/doom metal bands with an ominous atmosphere, I suggest that you check out Stardust by Smokecastle, and see where it will take you. 

Rating: 8.4 out of 10

Review by Alex on February 7, 2019.

Tankograd whom I have just only discovered have left me stunned, absolutely speechless. This is doom metal done indelibly, crafted with care and ingenious precision. The overwhelming emanations of gloom, doom and full-fledged atmospheric oppression is brought to life by Poland’s Tankograd. Afflicted with a pinch of sludge, stoner and blues rudiments, this quartet piece faction provides an album that will be remembered for years to come. Hence said, it needs to be available on vinyl. I mostly know Poland for their black metal that reeks of murky auras, but their doom metal I'm surely new to. Once hearing this debut full-length following Tankograd's 2017 Ep (that I will investigate), my craving for the material intensified. Tankograd wasted no time in revealing their influences as the Polish black metal was being presented in full flourish. Sometimes a flower can only drift so far away before it's roots begin to sprout. This is doom metal; however the markings of Polish black metal penetrate the pores of these stalwarts.

As mentioned, black metal riffing is present on Totalitarian, you can hear it make its first waves on the opening song “Ostatni sen Joachima” that accompanies the enigmatic lines of poetry. And with the subject matter being so illustrious, it only comes as a compliment when the black metal riffing takes effect. This adds a lamenting coating to the pessimistic and oppressive tones. The shorter tracks offer a catchier side, whilst the longer tracks on Totalitarian hits you with a trance that cannot be ignored. The atmosphere created on Totalitarian is one that perfectly suits the cover artwork. Having first glance at the image, the saturnine strikes you intensely and sets you up for the anger, melancholy and despair entrenched in this journey. Totalitarian is a very dark and emotional record, you can hear the agony, hatred, pessimism, grief and disgust being conveyed through the brilliant guitar and vocal work. Its magnificence boldly shines on every tune, in every utterance and musical note played.

I can’t get over just how devastating of an atmosphere lingers throughout Totalitarian; though there are instances in which you are given moments of tranquil via bluesy undertones such as on "Żelazne trumny", the destructive sensations return through the mighty sounds of the guitars and vocals. The production ensures you get every crumbling bit of this turmoil expressed through music that governs the journey of traversing this WW2 dilapidated terrain. Totalitarian is a total assault on your senses, it locks your perception in an era that was scarred so aggressively that time could neither heal nor bury the effects. This is the kind of album that rewards the listener as time progresses; though it materializes as a very heavy record both musically and conceptually, you will be given a sense of fulfillment once you have sat through its dread. This needs to be on vinyl, a Cd only release cannot do justice to Tankograd and most certainly not Totalitarian. The record is successful (for an understatement), it has the feeling of menacing misery and bitterness that needs and cries out to be etched in wax. By the time you're done experiencing this 40+ minute marvel, the replay factor kicks in; I guess history does repeat. 

Rating: 8.9 out of 10