lista zespołów Doom Metal Inferno (XII) Septem Sermones

Usually when you think Doom Metal and Sweden, it’s hard not to evoke the masters Candlemass or Count Raven. Now that I talked about them, let’s get on to something else, if you please because Inferno (XII) have nothing to do with them except sharing the same nationality.

Formed in 2008, the band released their debut in 2010 which was entitled “First Circle”. Circles, Inferno, I guess you get the picture by now and no, the singer’s name is not Dante. Musically speaking, while the band may well be associated with Doom Metal, it’s the kind of Doom Metal you don’t come across quite often.

It’s Doom Rock. Not Stoner, not Sludge, not Traditional. Rock. Much like another band from Sweden, Death Wolf, Inferno (XII) releases great Rock laced with Traditional and melodic Doom Metal laced. Or is it the other way around?

Helped by a classical piano (piano not keys), the band gives the impression to listen to Doom Metal anthems sitting comfortably by a table playing a game of poker in the saloon. The wind gusts its way through the double swinging doors, it’s hot and the atmosphere is acrid. If you may picture the scene, you may well get a very good sense of where Inferno (XII)’s music is heading at.

It’s groovy as hell in most sections, taking the best of Trad’ and Stoner, as if Kyuss would be jamming with Solitude Aeternus but retaining this Rock n’ Roll energy that will have your feet stomping in no time. On the other hand, it does not only give in to mere rhythm and at times the band shows a more introspective side (‘Luce nel Buio’) which brings in various emotions throughout the record in a way close to Marienbad’s debut released earlier this year.

While wandering in the various circles of Dante’s Inferno, the band also shows a few references and not only literary ones. For instance, ‘Bastard Beneath’ is a fantastic “cover” of Hellraiser’s main theme and the title itself may unequivocally suggest Frank’s remains lying under the paneled floor of Julia and Larry’s house… a tasty reference if you ask me! Hey, don’t touch that box!

All in all, the over-the-hour album goes without having you wondering why it’s taking so long for the band to make their mark. Every track is essential and the continuity and the variety feels like the perfect soundtrack to some nightmare set in Death Valley. Warm music made by cold people! A great find and a must discover for all Doom lovers.