Phantom Druid - The Downward Slope

 

 

Phantom Druid - The Downward Slope
Off the Record Label - November 2021
Doom, Stoner
Rated: ****

Like doomsday clockwork, Netherlands outfit Phantom Druid has churned out yet another release of low and slow excellence with "The Downward Slope". Mastermind and formerly solo artist Tjeerd de Jong has brought ex-Asphyx drummer Bob Bagchus into the fold, and the results are some of the project's best yet. Phantom Druid's signature brand of traditional doom is on display across five epic tracks, and Tjeerd's penchant for earth-moving riffs and sinister vocal hooks is in top form.  Opener and highlight track "The Great Deceivers" creeps in to slowly build a ten-ton riff, dragging itself forward while with minimalist drumming highlights the sheer weight of the guitar. Tjeerd's vocals aren't far off from a sobered, deadly serious Ozzy, and the menacing atmosphere is amped up at the halfway point when the tune jumps into a rolling, Cathedral-style chug. A roaming solo finishes it out in style, laying down the welcome mat for epic follow-up "Remission Of Sins". This is anthemic, nodding doom that simply sounds huge, cymbals ringing out amid the gravelly riffs and a shout-along chorus that could easily close out a live show. A slow burn solo tops it off and a blasphemously crunchy chug lumbers the song across the finish line. At nearly the halfway point of the album, it's clear what the listener is in for: ear-splitting, classic doom played by a band whose passion for the genre and megalithic riffs is unmistakable. Strike a match and take the plunge into the depths of Phantom Druid's latest ode to doom, it's a trip not to be missed.

(Written by Shasta Beast)

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