If you have even the slightest of interest in modern doom metal and its accompanying sub-genres, then it’s unlikely that SubRosa will have escaped your notice. The mystical quintet hail from Salt Lake City, Utah and, unusually, boast two highly skilled violinists in addition to the more traditional guitar, bass, and drums. The band existed in the underground scene, in relative obscurity, gaining some recognition for 2011’s ‘No Help for the Mighty Ones’. However, it was 2013’s ‘More Constant Than the Gods’ that really made people sit up and take notice. With its further refined atmospheres, arrangements, and ancient feel, the record gave a rapidly staling genre the kick up the arse it so desperately needed. With the bar set so high, ‘For This We Fought the Battle of Ages’ has a lot of pressure on it already…
What is instantly noticeable, are the inclusion of screamed backing vocals from bassist, Levi Hanna. They add a power and ferocity to what is already heavy, triggering subject matter. There’s a bravery to SubRosa’s approach to the topic of gay rights, which makes the title ‘For This We Fought the Battle of Ages’ all the more befitting. Rebecca Vernon’s vocals sound bolder than ever, bolstering the expertise of Kim Pack’s skilful violin playing. ‘The Wound of The Warden’ is strikingly heavy, a dark and brooding effigy of anguish and torment.
An impactful and oftentimes uncomfortable experience, this is a dark opus; there is no quarter, no solace to be found here. SubRosa have radicalised their sound and modus operandi with dramatic force. Every song is raw, emotionally charged and packs a punch. If these songs can make this much of an impact on record, they are surely going to enrapture crowds when played live. SubRosa have raised the bar to unreachable heights this time.
(9/10 Angela Davey)
https://www.facebook.com/SubrosaSLC
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