For all of the talk about bands such as Agalloch, Yob, and Slough Feg, there may be no band on the Profound Lore Records roster with more potential than the New York based trio called Occultation. Their style of doom metal may have more of a progressive feel to it, but with an atmosphere that is matched by only the elite of the genre, Occultation has the ability to be one of the elite, and their debut album Three and Seven is one of the better debut albums in recent years.

From the opening strains of “The Sea of Snakes and Souls,” Occultation establishes who they are and why those in the doom metal scene should take notice with an atmosphere that is distinct.  The female vocals on the album add to the atmosphere with its haunting tones that will drop the listener into an abyss with no hope of escape. All of the seven songs on the album follow this formula, which actually works to their advantage, as it is executed well and doesn’t lag at any point on the album. The organ and guitar work of E.M. works well in keeping the atmosphere from going into the cheesy end of the spectrum. With the consistency in atmosphere comes the inherent risk of repetition, and though the atmosphere Occultation builds is conducive to this kind of problem it doesn’t wear on you too quickly. The production values are a little on the raw side, adding nicely to the atmosphere. While Occultation succeeds on Three and Seven, they can still get better, as they are still a relatively new band and the parts that make up the music and atmosphere aren’t spectacular. 

Occultation is all about atmosphere and never more is that evident than on their debut Three and Seven. Though the sum of its parts is greater than the parts themselves, Occultation can stand to improve in order to stand out more. Three and Seven is sure to make a lasting impact on the listener, so what will Occultation do as a follow-up, now that expectations are going to be higher?

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*Comments:

1.  The Sea of Snakes and Souls
2.  The One Who Sleeps
3.  Shroud of Sorrows
4.  Dreamland in Flames
5.  Living Portrait
6.  Double Walker
7.  Three and Seven

Total playing time:  37:54

Release Date: April 16, 2012
Label: Profound Lore Records

Occultation - Three and Seven

Reviewer: Peter

June 15, 2012