WHEEL OF DOOM
"Ladialia"
(Four Tune Records)
Reviewed by Christopher J. Kelter
Wheel Of Doom, as the name implies, is a doom band. But it's not the prototypical doom band. This Japanese quintet play their doom-styled with fury and a modern edge. By modern edge I mean a bi-polar modern edge with the arty-ness of Tool along with the aggressive tint of nu-metal without falling prey to the limits of nu-metal.
For an album with only six tracks in 32 minutes "Ladialia" manages to cover a lot of ground. From quiet introspective pieces to traditional doom to a decidedly pummeling and raging doom-influenced fury, Wheel Of Doom provide an expansive palette of sound and textures. The trance-inducing "Bassuqio." The slow build-up of "Origin" leads into a crushing groove while "ZO.DI.AC" has a pulsating urgency that is often missing on most doom discs. The disc-ending "Into Your Voices" approaches epic-length while revisiting the introductory "Bassuqio" without ever wearing out its welcome to the listener. Overall, the vocals are filled with emotional depth and an aching sense of loss.
Fans of doom are well advised to check Wheel Of Doom out. Even fans of Alchemist, Tool, and Mindrot will find something to like in Wheel Of Doom's swirling doom.
"Ladialia" was produced by Wheel Of Doom. The production and sound are phenomenal.
Wheel Of Doom is Shinn Kadokura on vocals, Mitsu Kadokura and Tsuka on guitars, Numa on bass, and Matsu on drums.
For more information visit www.wheelofdoom.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
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