Album Reviews
Review – White Hoarhound by Alunah
Alunah are about to unleash some great doom metal upon the world. White Hoarhound is the third release from the band and the followup to 2010′s highly acclaimed Call of Avernus.
The album opens with “Demeter’s Grief” which is a low key, fuzzed out and groovy song.”White Hoarhound” follows next. It’s a bit more upbeat. Soph’s voice really makes this song soar. “Belial’s Fjord” is one of those songs with the epic build up, but just as you think it’s going to explode with drums blaring and guitars slinging everywhere, you get thrown for a curve. The song is actually one of those slow headbanging songs. “The Offering” is heavy and fuzzy but a bit closer to a classic rock track more than anything. It’s probably the least doomy song on the album. For some reason I can’t help but think Alice in Chains when I hear this song. “Chester Midsummer Watch Parade” is a bit mellower tune but still grooves nicely. The guitar solo to end the track is fantastic. The closing tracks are “Oak Ritual I” and “Oak Ritual II.” The first is really soft and mellow. It’s more acoustic compared to the second which returns to the slow, down tuned, and fuzzy doom that the band is known for.
So far, 2012 has been good for female fronted doom and hard rock. There have been great releases by (and not limited to) Christian Mistress, Royal Thunder, and Black Moth. Alunah is certainly on that list. Soph’s vocals are fantastic as always. They add to the atmosphere of the album and really stand out. I’m convinced that there is no Alunah without Soph. Her vocals are the backbone and the personality of the band. Not to take away from the other members of course as they all bring their own style to the band and help keep it from sounding like half the other bands out there. It’s clear that Alunah isn’t trying to sound like anybody but themselves. White Hoarhound was mixed and mastered by Tony Reed (Stone Axe, Mos Generator). Tony has a great ear for production. Once again his work has turned out a winner.Listen to the title track below and get your album as soon as it’s released.
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