Graven Sin – Veil Of The Gods
Reviewed By: Jim Harrison
Review Score: 9.0
Considered to be an elegant doom creation, I find many of the tracks on Finnish band Graven Sin‘s new album, Veil Of The Gods, to have more of a traditional metal sound mixed with a progressive vibe with a touch of anthemic power metal. This album doesn’t have the feel of a debut but more of seasoned sound and that’s a testament to how talented this band is. Band members Ville Pystynen guitarist, Nicholas Leptos vocalist and Ville Markkanen on drums have devised a listening experience that allows fans to immerse themselves in this album.
The first track ‘The Morrigan’ sends you into a frenzy with strong vocals breaking into the galloping guitar riffs with a catchy chorus. What a way to start an album coming out fast and furious. This is one of my three favourites and I can only imagine how cool this track would sound live.
‘From The Shadows’ continues a traditional metal sound and gives me more of a Manowar vibe. The drums on this track supply a cool groove and again strong vocals top this track. The classic guitar solo is awesome. ‘Bloodbones’ is another favourite track of mine. This is heavy and has a touch of a doom sound and really showcases Leptos’s vocal range. It has that earworm affect where you find yourself humming the chorus hours later.
Fourth track ‘She Who Rules Niflheim’ has such a cool guitar and drum intro. This is an anthemic song, again vocalist Nicholas Leptos soars high and mighty creating more of a doom power metal mix that works really well. ‘I Am Samael’ and ‘Cult Of Nergal’ push the traditional metal elements creating an anthemic sound that gives you more of a sound change up keeping the listener engaged. Track seven ‘The Scarlet Night’ is another favourite track of mine. This has a progressive chugging guitar sound that really works well with the strong vocals. The track reminds me of a more heavier older Queensrÿche, Geoff Tate vibe.
‘Beyond Mesopotamia’ speeds things up and the heavy vocals meld great with the double bass pounding. The guitar sounds amazing and the solo is well timed. ‘The Jackal God’ is another strong vocal track and the backing chanting feel creates an ominous sound that pushes this song to another high. ‘Wand Of Orcus’ speeds things up again with fast guitar riffs and a darker vocal punch. This has a huge power metal anthemic sound that really hits the mark.
The last track ‘As The Erinyes Emerge’ finishes the album on a high. Again this is another track with a slower doom sound and darker vocals. Around the two minute mark the song speeds up with a pulsating guitar riff that is like an engine.
It’s evident that Graven Sin are not only lyrically dominating but also possess superb musicianship and massive vocals that make a huge impression. This is definitely a musical journey for the listener and I recommend this album for fans expecting everything from a traditional metal band, with so many other genre inclusions. One thing is for sure, there is something for everyone on this album.
Veil Of The Gods drops on November 3rd via Svart Records.