Review by Adam M on March 30, 2017.

Pallbearer perform a very hook laden approach to doom metal. There are cavernous riffs here that are memorable and become ingrained in the subconscious. This style of metal is one of a kind because there is no band that plays the same doom metal formula that Pallbearer does. There is a certain traditional metal influence to be found here that gets reflected particularly by the vocals. It is enough to get one excited about the band, though it is only one aspect to be found here.

The riffs have a huge impact and are the main focal point of the instruments present. In fact, nothing else is really worth mentioning besides the slick vocals to go along with those riffs. Musically, the outfit is tight as you would expect and able to deliver some interesting music that is catchy, but thoughtful enough as well.  The music really strikes a balance between being memorable and being compelling. The music is comparable to the likes of last year’s Khemmis release, but has its own unique sound as well. This album is very similar in quality to the Khemmis release and should be embraced by the same people that like that band. Similarly, there is a traditional vibe and the songs go on for epic lengths of time. This album is even longer than that one, so fans of the style really have something to grasp here. The compositions wind around into all sorts of interesting territory and even slow down from time to time to breathe. If there is a flaw to the music it’s that it’s overly drawn out at times. The music does take some time to become accustomed to, but when you do it is a fulfilling experience.

There simply isn’t any doom of a similar nature to be released very recently and this elevates Heartless into higher territories of quality.

Rating: 8.1 out of 10

Review by Felix on December 2, 2023.

I was not totally convinced of the qualities of Shadow’s Mortuary after I had heard their albums no. two and three. So there was actually no reason to buy their debut as well, but I am a German and this means loyalty till death, downfall or (worst case) unconditional surrender. Now that I have listened three times to “Tulen valtakunta”, I am not smarter than before. The album, ornamented with a slightly spooky artwork, is good, but not great. This leads directly to the question what is missing.

I don’t say that hyper speed is an essential ingredient for an outstanding genre full-length. Songs like “Enter the Eternal Fire”, “Gates to Blashyrkh” or “Serimosa” work despite or exactly because of their mid-tempo approach. Nevertheless, black metal is a synonym for total negativity and destruction and therefore it needs something that makes up for the loss of fury when it comes to slow or mid-paced tunes. An ominous atmosphere or spooky harmonies are always a good idea, for instance. Unfortunately, Shadow’s Mortuary were not aware of this when they recorded songs like “Untentuoja”, the programatically titled “Melankolia” or the title track. These pieces drag themselves along without offering any really exciting moments. The title track has the best riffs, but even they are not able to create an intensive mood. Either way, “Tulen valtakunta” (the song) is acceptable, “Melankolia” houses at least a few good moments, but the other one jumps under the crossbar.

Shadow’s Mortuary can do it better. It is never too late to add a pinch of bestiality and they do this during the last three tracks. The four-piece even offers some thundering high speed parts, but the most significant difference is the higher degree of malignancy that these songs spread. “Verensakeaa Sumua” celebrates explosive rage in a thrilling manner, while “Labyrintti”, the closer, kicks the listener in the teeth. Despite its title, it’s a rather straight track. Yet this is the norm, not the exception here. Shadow’s Mortuary cannot be blamed for primitive song patterns, but the tunes are quickly accessible. The production also makes it easy to get familiar with the material, because “Tulen valtakunta” has a typical Finnish black metal sound, bone-dry, pretty vigorous and not overly differentiated. The guitars and the wicked voice of sole composer Void dominate the mix.

Without the pretty vapid tunes in the centre of the album, we could enjoy its great ending or the sturdily performed first songs after the intro wholeheartedly. “Raatojen kuningas” is aggressive and alarming, “Kylmään hautaan” transports a sad touch without lacking perfidious heaviness. The only song with an English title, the acceptable “Blast of a War Drum”, meanders between ruthless and aimless. All in all, I am still not fully convinced of Shadow’s Mortuary’s art, but perhaps they like to release a fourth full-length soon?

Rating: 7.1 out of 10