The Prophecy:
Salvation (2013)
Code666
Records
Review by
Jude Felton
If Norway is
known for its Black Metal and Sweden for its Death Metal, then Yorkshire, in
the north of England, must definitely be known for its Doom Metal. Bands like
My Dying Bride and Paradise Lost are both from this beautiful area, as are The
Prophecy, who with Salvation deliver their 4th album.
Although Doom
Metal would be an easy label to apply to The Prophecy, with Salvation they give
far more over the course of the 5 tracks within. Gothic and Death Metal elements
lurk under the surface, but far more prevalent is the progressive feel to this
epic album. There may only be 5 tracks on Salvation, but four of them are over
10 minutes in duration, with the title track pushing 15 minutes. Even the one
other track, Reflections, is pushing 5 minutes.
Salvation is
an album to get lost in, with the sweeping tracks delivering many layers over
the course of its 50 plus minutes. Haunting vocals, from Matt Lawson, are
delivered with real passion and clarity, with the occasional Death-tinged
growls creeping in at times. It’s an epic album that, thanks to the crisp
production, allows all elements of the band to shine through. As with the best
Metal this is best enjoyed loud, so you can allow the crushing rhythm section,
of Gav Parkinson and John Bennett (Bass and Drums respectively), to carry you
along while Greg O’Shea’s guitar playing alternates between bruising riffs to
wonderfully delicate lead work.
Salvation has
been my introduction to The Prophecy’s progressive doom, and it is one that I
am very glad to have made an acquaintance with. Fans of the aforementioned My
Dying Bride and Paradise Lost, as well as such bands as Opeth and Katatonia,
should get a real kick out of this album. It’s epic, yet intimate, filled with
beauty and despair and some damned fine tunes. Lights out, volume cranked, sit
back and enjoy!
Salvation is released by Code666 Records on February 4th and can be purchased here, or at the link below.
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