Orodruin - Epicurean Mass
PsycheDOOMelic Records
Doom Metal
11 songs (63'37")
Release year: 2009
Orodruin, PsycheDOOMelic Records
Reviewed by Adam
As I was STILL awaiting the next proper (read: full-length) release from the outstanding US doom band Orodruin, I noticed that the folks at PsycheDOOMelic Records were kind enough to offer a reissue of the band’s excellent 2003 debut album Epicurean Mass. I figure that this is as good a time as any to introduce our doom-inclined MR readers to this Rochester, NY based act, especially those who may still be lamenting the loss of the late, great Reverend Bizarre.

The difference between the original 2003 release and this year’s reissue, other than the nifty digipack and new cover art, is the inclusion of the two tracks from the 2004 split with the aforementioned Reverend Bizarre. This is key, especially if you’re a non-record player owning loser like me, considering this split was limited to 500 12” record copies through Hellride Music. If you, for any reason, have yet to get this album and consider yourself a fan of traditional, epic doom, buy it…now.

The band is led by John Gallo, epic riffing extraordinaire, who no doubt will have you nodding your head in approval soon after his first concoction oozes out of your speakers in the second track, Peasants Lament. I need to get my lone, nitpicky gripe out of the way right now, and it is aimed squarely at the production. Simply put, it leaves something to be desired. These riffs have the potential for a mammoth and crushing effect, but a lot of times they just don’t pound like they should. This is in no way a knock on the playing ability or songwriting, as both are top notch, and as such deserve a better sound. In addition, the bass drum of Mike Waske is relegated to nothing more than a soft patter. Were it not for these issues, there would not be many places to find fault with Epicurean Mass. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, I can focus on the good, which is certainly abundant. Bassist Mike Puleo doubles as the lead vocalist, and his charismatic clean croon fits the music very well. He also shows off a chilling scream here and there, as heard in the latter portions of Peasants Lament. There are also sparse inclusions of harmonies both in the vocals and guitars, and both are pulled off flawlessly and add a unique aspect to the Orodruin sound. Unspeakable Truth, for instance, starts off with some sludgy riffing that morphs into a faster, sharper-edged iteration before closing with an equally memorable riff progression highlighted by some excellent guitar harmony between Gallo and second guitarist Nick Tydelski (who has since left the band). The other standout aspect of Orodruin is the inclusion of a fair amount of organ accompaniment, which is also handled by John Gallo. The man is refreshingly proficient with this instrument as well, with the title track being a shining example. The lead riff on this song is the best on the album, a sledge hammering force that is sadly over in a short time, around two minutes to be exact. The vocal harmony in the verse portions between Mike Puleo and whoever provides the backing vocals (the liner notes do not tell) are worth note as well. Seeing that the track is almost eight minutes long, you might be curious how the remainder is spent. This is where the organ takes over. Around 3 minutes in, the distorted guitars fade out leaving a very simple and haunting organ passage. Save for some soft acoustic guitar underneath, this same passage plays for nearly five minutes straight. You would think that this may wear on you quickly, but I found it strangely compelling. On the initial release, this was the last song on the album (not counting the static and goofing off of the untitled hidden track). Luckily though for this reissue, we are treated to Ascending Damnation and Master, the Tempest is Raging, the two tracks from the split with Reverend Bizarre. Both of these tracks are fantastic, and sound right at home following Epicurean Mass. One of Mike Puleo’s lyrics on Ascending Damnation is telling, “I never felt so much anger in all of my years”. Indeed, his voice has a much angrier and aggressive sound than it did for the majority of Epicurean Mass. The riffing is still excellent, and another organ passage finds a spot to enhance the proceedings. As good as Ascending Damnation is, Master, the Tempest is Raging is even better. The opening and verse are dominated by Puleo’s emotional vocals, as the guitars are nothing more than a soft and ominous foundation in the background. This makes their thunderous assault in the chorus even grander sounding, as a rising and falling lead takes center stage. Add in an awesome guitar harmony package in the middle, a strange carnival-esque organ passage, a ripping solo, and some powerful Puleo yells, and you have everything that makes Orodruin such a great band.

Production issues aside, Epicurean Mass is truly one of the gems in the traditional doom realm, and the inclusion of the two ass kickers from the split with Reverend Bizarre just enhances the experience. Sadly, the only Orodruin material on the horizon is a 10” EP forthcoming through the Miskatonic Foundation. Maybe its high time I bought a record player. If the material on that EP is anywhere close to the quality found here, it will be well worth it.
Killing Songs :
Unspeakable Truth, Epicurean Mass, Master, the Tempest is Raging
Adam quoted 89 / 100
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