TBDLB are all about slow, brooding, dirge-like (church bells included) riffs giving the habitual nod to the Black Sabbath, Pentagram and Saint Vitus debuts. But these riffs are executed on a much heavier, more extreme platform. The outcome of Electric Wizard jamming along with Candlemass, both in their respective earlier years, wouldn’t sound too different from this album I’m thinking; you have your evil, gloomy, murky (albeit slightly epic) themes that Candlemass do so well, on top of which are those wah-laden, acid-laced, pentatonic leads and an all-surrounding layer of fuzz which you know Electric Wizard can pull off in their sleep (pun intended). Yes, you guessed right, this makes for a winning combination alright.

There are only two songs under the six and a half minute mark and both of these serve as interesting introductions to the succeeding songs. As for the others, each one of them is unique and has its own distinct feel – absolutely no filler. I took an immense liking to Evil Echoes, a seven minute instrumental, which begins with spaced out clean guitars and builds on a single morose riff, layer after layer. But be forewarned (all my puns are intended damnit!) - for if you’re expecting some sort of post metal affair, look elsewhere, because this is all doom metal - morbid and melancholic, the way its supposed to be. However, this is not to say that the songs which do feature vocalist BottleBen are lacking. Containing the flair of Wino, the operatic ways of Messiah and a certain psychotic harshness to his voice, BottleBen is a welcome addition.

For some of you folks the album may get a bit tedious to get through after a couple of spins. But me being the doom metal fiend that I am still haven’t got bored of it after a number of repeated listens. Rest assured, there is enough juice in this album to keep people like me going for quite a while. Last but not least, I have to make a mention of the great cover art and inlay.



Label - Emanes Metal Records
Year of Release - 2008