Northern Crown is the second band I’ve reviewed in recent weeks boasting the word “crown” in their name and Candlemass influences, the other band being Stygian Crown. The similarities end there. Whereas Stygian Crown incorporates death metal to create an ungodly heavy brand of doom, Northern Crown has concocted a blend of epic riffs, gloomy atmosphere and progressive undertones on their latest album, In a Pallid Shadow.
In a Pallid Shadow consists of only five songs, though each boasts their own individual identities. “Leprosarium” kicks things off with a doomy hard rock approach. The riffs are mid tempo and heavy, but the melodic vocals and organs give the impression this could be a Kansas album cut circa 1976. “The Last Snowfall” is even doomier and proggier in approach. On this track, the doom really begins to kick in. The hard rocking of “Leprosarium” has been replaced by an atmosphere of pure gloom.
This gloom bleeds into the album’s midpoint, “A Vivid Monochrome”. The only song on the album I don’t care for, “A Vivid Monochrome” is a clinic in the depressive rock/metal style made famous by acts such as My Dying Bride, Katatonia, and Porcupine Tree. This subgenre was never my cup of tea. However, if you enjoy all of the bands listed, you’ll enjoy this track.
Everything comes together on Pallid Shadow‘s final two songs, “8 Hours” and “Observing”. On an album filled with Candlemass-isms, “8 Hours” is the most Candlemass-esque and therefore my favorite. The riffs are as ominous as they are epic. Throw in some soulful guitar solos, synthesized strings, and a quiet, atmospheric passage to close out, and boom! You’ve got yourself a dirge worthy of offering to the doom metal gods.
All of the influences mentioned and more merge to maximum effect on “Observing”. Right off the bat we’re greeted by those Candlemass riffs we know so well and…Styx synthesizers? It’s an unlikely, but effective, combination to say the least. From there, we’re taken on a doom metal quest where we’re confronted by twin leads, blackened tremolo picking, and even an acoustic 70s folk section. If you can’t believe you just read all those words in the same sentence, trust me. I can’t believe I just wrote all those words in the same sentence.
Aside from some stylistic choices, and an occasionally flat sounding production (though that could be my ears playing tricks on me), In a Pallid Shadow is a bold, fresh take on doom metal. Who knows which sounds Northern Crown will incorporate on their next album?
6 out of 10
Label: Independent
Genre: Epic Doom Metal
For fans of: Candlemass, My Dying Bride, Solitude Aeturnus