We are generally a quite cheery and agreeable bunch at Ave Noctum, (notwithstanding music related pub arguments), so it was quite a surprise to see the reaction when this one landed in the office. Several members of staff were laying claim to this and it required careful mediation by the editor to ensure that blood was not spilled. Needless to say, the sensible decision was taken and in the interests of peace I got the nod on this one, but why would this cause such a fracas in the first place? Well, mainly because those in the know recognise that Procession are one of the very best doom bands out there today, and the anticipation for this, their second full length album, has been gnawing away at those of us already hooked on their traditional doom sound for months now. This, above all else, has been the album I have been most looking forward to this year, and I’ve not once been concerned that it would disappoint.
This is Procession’s first album as a four piece, with the addition of Jonas Pedersen on guitars, although the difference to the band’s overall sound is negligible. ‘To Reap Heavens Apart’ follows the exact same format as ‘Destroyers of the Faith’, being an intro and 5 tracks. The introduction ‘Damnatio Memorae’ initially sounds a lot more upbeat and pacey than you would normally expect, but as it leads into ‘Conjurer’, we are firmly back with the realms of epic doom. The Candlemass influence remains strong, as Jonas and Felipe lay down some gorgeous gloomy riffage, whilst Claudio’s bass plays a prominent supporting role. Felipe’s voice remains as strong as ever, and whilst he still stays firmly within his comfort zone, that remains perfect for the music. ‘Death & Judgement’ gives us the first indication that Procession remain at the top of their game, from its haunting early passage, it trudges through carrying the weight of the world, every step of the journey being more defiant than the last as it marches to its end in imperious fashion. This so far is one of my favourite tracks of the year. The riff to the title track is just pure classic doom, and reminds me exactly why I was so eager to hear this in the first place. Felipe’s voice sounds as if it has made that next step forward on this release. It’s by no means perfect, but that would simply be wrong for this style of music. It’s strong and impassioned and hits the right notes with the listener, and that is by far the most important thing.
The dark and mournful tale of ‘The Death Minstrel’ reminded me more of My Dying Bride than what we would normally expect, but it’s funereal pace and its poetic spoken verse gives an air of utter hopelessness as if we await the extinguishing of our very soul, and so as we begin the final track we do feel indeed very ‘Far From Light’. If this fails to move you in any way, then there is clearly something missing in your genetic make-up and that isn’t your fault. Don’t forget that.
Procession set the bar so high with The Cult of Disease EP and Destroyers of the Faith, that it was always going to be a tall order to live up to the very high expectations that existing fans such as myself would have. Initially, I didn’t think that this quite lived up to my admittedly excessive expectations, but after constant listening over the past week I can now say that I find this every bit as engaging and captivating as their previous work. This truly is the next logical step on the road to the gravegarden. I can’t quite bring myself to give out that magical 10, but I will say this much. If there is a better doom album released this year, I shall eat my own shoes.
(9.5/10, Lee Kimber)
www.facebook.com/pages/Procession
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