Indiana's exponents of True Doom Metal The Gates of Slumber return with  some new stories for us to listen to  in their new  CD  The Wretch (Rise Above Records 2011). Going on 10 years strong the band has slowly figured out what makes a vivid impact with their fans. In this CD  we aren’t left with narratives of drugs and inner loathing stories of self hate . No, here there is much more to appreciate.

In spinning the cd you hear a wicked reality that hits you  in the face with  both lyrics and limited chord progressions  .This all comes together to create entertaining doom music.  Karl Simon and company sever their ties of swords and thunder from the past to create this bold new CD.  This is also the first time the band has worked with producer Jaime Arellano. In working with Jaime you hear the difference  . The difference is a tighter result in their music .The single-note guitar-bass fills  in  “Scovrge”  (for example )have been perfected to the “T” . Karl Simon’s wails aren’t overpowering the mix too . Take a listen and you will agree with me .

In total the record consists of eight solid  tracks all exceeding four minutes in length . The Wretch is the most accomplished album to date (in my opinion) . This  band  grows more on me  in each of their releases . The riffs crawl as much as they all  hit you hard and leave you helpless  .  Simon’s vocals are his strongest ever!  I think he has abandoned his search for the  high notes  for a more  straightforward grittier vocal delivery.

The Wretch reels us in slowly with “Bastards Born”, which makes the pouncing  entry into “The Scovrge of Drvnkeness” that much more appealing  to listen to .  The two most haunting tracks  are  “Castle of the Devil” and “The Wretch” . In further listening they are all  accented  by the catchier tune “Coven of Cain”. The flow of all the songs represents psychological  struggles  complete with  those  up’s and down’s . In songs like “Dying Inside “you hear  introspective songs from a band known more for elevating swords  than looking into the erratic courses of instance of the human condition.

The Gates of Slumber use simplicity to produce a great effect. You hear it here in this CD. GOS are  masters of the past . Drawing in their music influences from bands  like  Saint Vitus this  cd is soaked in old school doom. GOS takes the NWOBHM route keeping it all depressive ,nocturnal and heavier than a  suicide note . Hey guess what ? Yeah We like it fine!

  -My advice is hit play, rock out and rewind.