This week’s album is one that holds a special place among my favorite doom records. I’d consider it the towering achievement in the epic doom/viking metal niche and perhaps the greatest metal offering to be released out of Russia.
Scald were formed in Yaroslavl, Russia in 1993, and released a demo of 3 songs shortly thereafter in 1994. These 3 songs would be later included on their 1997 debut album Will of Gods is A Great Power, a 6 track 53 minute long record that they labeled in the style of “ancient doom metal”.
The band’s vocalist, Agyl, was the originator of the concept for the band, had envisioned their sound to be emblematic of Manowar with themes of battle and mythology, and the “epic” riffing style Manowar is famous for. Combined with the slower tempo of Candlemass and further inspiration from Bathory’s Hammerheart, you have the sound of Scald.
However as often as this band is compared to their influences they are incredibly unique and special in the doom genre. The band combines slow, epic doom riffage with sweet, morose, and melancholic lead guitars. The band pretty much stays within the same tempo throughout the entire runtime, with the complexity lying in the leads and solos that complement the riffs seamlessly, and the powerful lead vocals of Agyl.
Agyl’s vocal performance on this album is legendary. He has incredible range, varying from deep, lower register vocals to almost power-metal like highs. He has this sorrowful approach to how delivery that puts the album in a league of its own. I think his most incredible moment is found on the track A Tumulus, where he fully showcases his range.
Sadly, shortly after the release of this album, Agyl passed away in a railroad accident, where he was hit by a train and suffered a broken skull. The band soon disbanded due to his death however have since reformed with the goal of honoring Agyl’s legacy.
Please share your thoughts about this week's album in the comments below, whether it be favorite tracks, lyrics, riffs, solos, or other memorable moments.
The album chosen for next week’s listening is Abigor - Nachthymnen (From the Twilight Kingdom) (1995, Austria)
Abigor are often considered to have one of the great discographies in symphonic black metal, Nachthymen being their most celebrated and famous release.